According to reports, the video was filmed on October 25, 2025, at the wedding of one of the ministry's employees. It later became clear that Nazarbekov was performing songs at the celebration dedicated to the son of the famous artist Yahybek Muminov.
Representatives of the Ministry of Culture noted that the minister had not planned his performance in advance, and refusing to perform could be perceived as disrespect. They added that receiving money from guests does not contradict the law and is part of cultural traditions.
However, the Anti-Corruption Agency took a fundamentally different position, pointing out possible violations of the law. The agency reminded about Article 13 of the Law on State Civil Service, as well as the Model Rules of Conduct for Civil Servants, which prohibit engaging in paid activities, except for scientific, pedagogical, and creative work. Civil servants must also avoid actions that could damage the reputation of the civil service.
The agency sent a request to the government asking to hold the minister accountable for disciplinary action and reminded of the necessity to comply with the laws. The Anti-Corruption Agency emphasized that actions by civil servants that contradict ethical norms will be under constant scrutiny.
This is not the first time that the actions of Ozodbek Nazarbekov have drawn criticism. In 2024, he participated in an advertisement for a clothing store, which also sparked discussions about the legality of his actions. In 2025, the minister appeared again in an advertising campaign for a private university. In both cases, representatives of the Ministry of Culture claimed that Nazarbekov's actions were not aimed at generating income.
