Felix Lobrecht's Para athlete jokes spark backlash and career fallout
German comedian Felix Lobrecht is facing backlash after making derogatory remarks about Para athletes on his podcast Die Deutschen. The controversy has led to cancelled projects, lost contracts, and a public apology. Meanwhile, his new late-night show, produced by his own company Lucky Pics, continues to roll out with an unconventional format.
The trouble began when Lobrecht mocked disability sports during a podcast episode. Critics quickly called out the jokes, prompting widespread condemnation. As a result, broadcaster Sat.1 dropped a planned quiz show featuring him, and several venues cancelled his live performances. His German management team also cut ties.
The fallout echoes a similar scandal involving comedian Luke Mockridge, who faced heavy criticism over Para athlete jokes in late 2024. Mockridge's TV show was cancelled in September that year, and debates about his material—linking it to broader discussions on MeToo and offensive humour—have persisted into 2026. Lobrecht later issued an apology to Para athletes, acknowledging the harm caused by his remarks. Despite the setback, his career continues with *Die Deutschen*, a late-night programme billed as the 'pizza delivery service of late-night shows'. The concept breaks from tradition by turning everyday locations—like a local kiosk—into impromptu studios. In the premiere, Lobrecht joked about village life, large families, and sweets, all suggested by the shop owner. The show is produced by Lucky Pics, a company Lobrecht co-founded with Brainpool in 2017. With over 1.6 million subscribers on YouTube, he remains a prominent figure in German comedy, though the recent controversy has left a mark.
The incident has cost Lobrecht professional opportunities, including a TV deal and live bookings. His apology came after sharp criticism, but the long-term impact on his career remains unclear. For now, Die Deutschen moves forward, blending interactive comedy with real-world settings—though the shadow of the controversy lingers.
