Minister Nazarbekov explains wedding video, calling cash gifts a national tradition

Footage circulating on social media shows Culture Minister Ozodbek Nazarbekov performing at a wedding. In the video, the minister can be seen accepting money handed to him by guests. Sirojiddin Usarov, head of the Ministry of Culture’s press service, commented on the situation to Kun.uz.

According to him, the incident shown in the video took place on October 25, 2025, during the wedding ceremony of a ministry employee.

“The video shows money being handed to Minister Ozodbek Nazarbekov by admirers. At the same time, it is evident that the minister did not plan this situation in advance. Given that rejecting citizens’ wishes in such circumstances could place them in an awkward position in front of others and could be wrongly interpreted as humiliation or disrespect, the minister responded positively to the situation,” the statement says.

It is also recalled that the act of giving or not giving money to singers at wedding ceremonies is not prohibited by current legislation. This practice is considered part of national customs and values that have developed among the people over centuries.

The ministry further pointed out that Ozodbek Nazarbekov is not only the Minister of Culture, but also a well-known Uzbek singer, a People’s Artist of Uzbekistan, Karakalpakstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan, as well as an Honored Cultural Worker of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Since his professional activity is directly connected with national vocal art, the situation observed at the wedding should be assessed as one related to his professional activity, the ministry official said.

“In conclusion, it should be emphasized that regardless of the position a person holds, one cannot be separated from one’s chosen profession. This situation should be viewed precisely from this perspective,” the statement reads.

Kun.uz has learned that the Anti-Corruption Agency has submitted a formal representation to the Ministry of Culture regarding the incident.

In 2024, Ozodbek Nazarbekov appeared in advertising for the Kingsman clothing store. At the time, after the incident sparked public debate, the minister’s press service said that he had not pursued any material benefit from it. The head of the Ministry of Culture also appeared in advertising for a private university in 2025.