Minister Ozodbek Nazarbekov was explained that he sang at a wedding and received stolen money

Minister Ozodbek Nazarbekov was explained that he sang at a wedding and received stolen money

A video has surfaced online showing Ozodbek Nazarbekov singing at a wedding and accepting a bribe. The Ministry of Culture told Kun.uz that bribery at weddings is a “national tradition that has been formed over the centuries” and a “wishful thinking.” According to the ministry, if the singer had refused to accept the bribe, it could have been interpreted as discrimination or disrespect.

The incident in the video took place on October 25, 2025, at the wedding of a ministry employee.

"The video shows the transfer of money to Minister Ozodbek Nazarbekov by fans. At the same time, it can be observed that the minister did not plan this situation in advance, and taking into account that in such a situation, rejecting the will of citizens can put them in an awkward position in public, and can be misinterpreted as discrimination or disrespect, he reacted positively to the situation.

We would like to remind you that the current legislation does not prohibit the transfer or non-transfer of money to singers at wedding ceremonies, and this is part of the national customs and values ​​​​that have been formed among our people for centuries. In Uzbek traditions, such processes are recognized as "desires and desires," the ministry's statement says.

It is noted that Ozodbek Nazarbekov is not only the Minister of Culture, but also a famous Uzbek singer, People's Artist of Uzbekistan, Karakalpakstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, as well as an Honored Worker of Culture of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Since his professional activity is directly related to the art of national singing, the situation observed at the wedding ceremony should be assessed as a situation related to the professional activity of the minister, says the ministry official.

“In conclusion, it is worth noting that every person, regardless of the position he holds, cannot be separated from his chosen profession. This situation arose from this point of view,” the statement says.