Controversy Erupts Over Musician’s Remarks on Human Trafficking Case, Sparks Calls for Award Revocation
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The fallout from controversial statements made regarding a human trafficking case has ignited a national debate in Hungary, centering on whether celebrated musician Nagy Feró should retain his prestigious Kossuth award. The situation escalated after remarks perceived as minimizing the severity of the crimes committed in the Szőlő Street case prompted widespread condemnation and calls for the revocation of the honor.
Government Resists Calls for Award Revocation
A senior government official, identified as János Lázár, stated that revoking the Kossuth award is “not customary” and would be a “serious mistake.” Lázár, the Minister of Construction and Transport, emphasized that the government does not intervene in matters of “art and taste.” “We do not revoke a Kossuth award, it is not customary to revoke an award. Awards are just that,” he reportedly said.
The Spark: Nagy Feró’s Contentious Statement
The controversy stems from Nagy Feró’s comments during a peace march concerning the human trafficking case in Szőlő Street. He stated, “He was just making money doing it, he was running girls, the girls were making money – everyone was doing well, right?” This statement immediately triggered a national scandal, with Klára Dobrev swiftly demanding the withdrawal of Nagy Feró’s Kossuth award.
Widespread Backlash and Defiance
The musician’s remarks drew sharp criticism from fellow artists and public figures. Singer Kati Wolf publicly questioned Nagy Feró’s conscience, asking, “Why aren’t you ashamed of yourself, Feró?” Nagy Feró subsequently responded with harsh words to Wolf’s criticism on Facebook. Publicist Zsolt Bayer also urged Nagy Feró to issue an apology.
Government spokesperson Eszter Vitályos distanced herself from the statements, acknowledging the potential harm caused by such words. “The power of words is greater than we think – and these sentences can hurt many people again,” she wrote in a social media post.
Parliamentary Debate on Child Protection Crisis
The incident fueled a parliamentary debate on Monday, initiated by the Democratic Coalition faction, focusing on “The serious crisis of the child protection system.” The debate included contributions from both opposition and government representatives, with Nagy Feró’s comments being a central point of discussion.
[Image of János Lázár on September 1, 2025. Photo: Zoltán Kocsis / MTI]
The situation highlights the complex intersection of artistic freedom, public responsibility, and the sensitive nature of crimes like human trafficking, leaving a lasting impact on Hungary’s cultural and political landscape.
