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Turkish actor Can Yaman has reportedly been baptised into Christianity, with claims emerging about the deeply personal nature of the ceremony and the circumstances surrounding his current relationship.
According to singer and tabloid columnist Onur Akay, who appeared on a live broadcast with journalist Pelin Cini, the actor completed his baptism on Easter Sunday this year at a church in Rome. The date coincided with April 20, 2025, a significant day in the Christian calendar.
Onur Akay stated that Can Yaman had been a catechumen—a person preparing for baptism—for two years. Throughout this period, he reportedly took part in sacred Christian rituals known as "sacraments," which include ceremonies such as confirmation, the Eucharist, and confession. These rites are central to Christian religious practice and are considered essential to full initiation into the faith.
Akay claimed that Yaman’s journey toward Christianity was supported by Stefano Papa, who at the time was married to Sara Bluma—Yaman’s current partner. Papa is said to have been a close friend of the actor. This connection has become the focus of media scrutiny, following revelations that Yaman began a relationship with Bluma after his baptism. Akay asserted that Bluma and Papa’s marriage ended when Papa discovered the affair.
Stefano Papa, who owns several popular nightlife venues in Italy, reportedly expressed his anger publicly after the incident. According to Turkish journalist Bilal Ozcan, Papa commented “Schifo”—Italian for “disgusting”—under a recent photo on Yaman’s Instagram account. The public nature of the message stirred further controversy and prompted many Italian social media users to criticize the actor.
Bilal Ozcan, who has covered the story extensively, also reported that Papa is the father of Bluma’s only child, Tristan. Bluma, a DJ, has faced additional allegations, including drug use. It is claimed that her child is now under state protection due to difficult family circumstances.
Yaman and Bluma officially went public with their relationship during the Italian Global Series Festival 2025, in Rimini. However, Italian public reaction has been largely negative, with some social media users remarking, “Those who criticized Can Yaman in Türkiye were right. His mask has fallen. This is a scandal.”
Earlier controversies involving Yaman had already affected his career. During the Moscow premiere of his series El Turco, he was asked whether he preferred Italy or Türkiye and reportedly answered “Italy.”
The response drew heavy backlash in Türkiye, and the show was later removed from its streaming platform, citing “the sensitivities of the Turkish public.” Furthermore, the show’s ratings in Italy failed to meet expectations.
Can Yaman is a Turkish actor and lawyer who has become an international television star known for his roles in romantic comedies and action series. Born in Istanbul in 1989, he studied at an Italian high school and graduated top of his class with a law degree from Yeditepe University. Despite his legal background, he shifted to acting and gained fame with roles in hit Turkish series like Dolunay and Erkenci Kus, which made him popular across Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America.
Fluent in multiple languages, Yaman has successfully built a career in Italy with shows like Viola Come Il Mare and the upcoming Sandokan series. Beyond acting, he is also involved in philanthropy through his charity “Can Yaman for Children.” With his global fanbase, multilingual skills, and on-screen charisma, he is one of Türkiye’s most internationally recognized actors.
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