ALBAWABA - Zeynep Atılgan and Ali Öner confirm relationship amid speculation.
Turkish actor Ali Öner has publicly confirmed his relationship with actress Zeynep Atılgan following days of speculation and controversy surrounding the pair.
The actor, who plays Gökhan in the hit Turkish series Taşacak Bu Deniz, addressed the rumors after social media users linked his new relationship to the end of his engagement with Livanur Aydın.
The discussion began after Ali Öner and Zeynep Atılgan were seen together during the show's season finale celebrations. Videos and photos from the event quickly spread online. Their close interactions and dance moments fueled rumors that the two stars were romantically involved.
Shortly afterward, Livanur Aydın broke her silence with a statement that attracted significant attention. Aydın, who had been in a long-term relationship with Öner and was previously engaged to him, suggested that some of the suspicions people were only now discussing had been her reality from the beginning. Her comments led to renewed speculation about the timeline of events.
As the debate intensified, Ali Öner decided to respond publicly.
In a statement shared on social media, the actor confirmed that he and Zeynep Atılgan are in a relationship. However, he strongly denied claims that Atılgan was responsible for the end of his engagement.
Öner stated that his long-term relationship had already ended before any emotional closeness developed between him and his co-star.
"First, there was trust. Then, a closeness that you can't immediately put a name to, but that finds a place in your heart," he said while describing how their relationship evolved.
The actor explained that he and Atılgan gradually got to know each other while working on the same set. According to Öner, their bond developed naturally over time through shared experiences, long working hours, and mutual trust. He insisted that their relationship was not a hidden romance that had existed during his previous engagement.
Ali Öner also said he still respects those in his life and doesn't want anyone involved to be hurt.
The actor and Livanur Aydın had announced their engagement in August 2025. However, the couple ended their relationship later that year. Following the breakup, they removed shared photos from social media and unfollowed each other, confirming their separation.
For now, Ali Öner and Zeynep Atılgan appear ready to move forward publicly with their relationship, while the story continues to generate discussion among fans of Taşacak Bu Deniz and followers of Turkish entertainment news.
