Istanbul, Turkey – July 23, 2025
A female tourist’s visit to one of Istanbul’s well-known Turkish ice cream stalls turned into a disturbing experience after she claimed she was sexually harassed by a vendor during a street performance — a tradition famously associated with the country’s beloved Turkish ice cream (dondurma).
The incident reportedly took place at the Beyoğlu Market, a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. In a video posted on Reddit, the tourist shared how the experience, which started as part of the lighthearted and theatrical “ice cream prank” culture, took a dark turn.
According to her account, while participating in the typical dondurma game where vendors humorously trick customers by pulling away the cone, the clerk allegedly crossed the line by forcibly pushing the cone into her chest with his bare hand. Shocked and unable to react, she said she froze, smiled awkwardly in the moment, but was left feeling humiliated and violated afterward.
“I felt disgusted, angry, and deeply ashamed,” she wrote. “What upsets me more is that I didn’t do anything in the moment. I just stood there. I left Istanbul the next morning still replaying what had happened.”
The video quickly went viral on social media platforms, drawing heavy criticism toward the ice cream stall and the vendor’s behavior. Netizens expressed outrage, calling the act “completely unacceptable” and “a violation under the guise of a joke.”
In response to the public outcry, local authorities have since closed the ice cream shop involved. While the traditional Turkish ice cream prank is typically known for its playful and harmless fun, this incident has ignited conversations about consent and boundaries in tourist interactions, especially when humor turns into harassment.
The woman’s post has resonated with many, urging fellow travelers and locals alike to remain vigilant and call out inappropriate behavior — even when it happens in seemingly lighthearted or cultural contexts.
