Lawsuit initiated by Springer againstformer Bild editor, Reichelt
In a high-profile case, German publishing giant Springer-Verlag has filed a civil lawsuit against Julian Reichelt, former editor-in-chief of the tabloid newspaper "Bild," with the Berlin Labor Court. The legal dispute centres around allegations of breach of confidentiality agreements and violations of a non-poaching clause concerning Springer employees.
Reichelt, known for his right-wing populist opinion journalism, has found a new platform for his controversial views on YouTube. His channel, "Achtung, Reichelt!", boasts over 337,000 subscribers and is characterised by daily culture wars against the "ruling class". Guests on his channel include Gloria von Thurn und Taxis and Eva Vlaardingerbroek.
The Amadeu Antonio Foundation, an organisation that monitors right-wing extremism, reports that Reichelt is currently very successful on YouTube. They analyse that Reichelt, as a newly established "man of the people", wants to declare war on the "evil" establishment. His YouTube channel allows guests to rant against political correctness, migrants, and queer people.
The obligations in question include confidentiality agreements and a non-poaching clause for Springer employees. These clauses are common in contracts to protect employers from losing key talent to former employees who start competing businesses or join rivals. Breach of such clauses triggers legal disputes.
Springer-Verlag accused Reichelt of violating these contractual agreements, which could lead to the repayment of a severance package and the payment of a contractual penalty, with the total amount in dispute being in the millions. Reichelt's lawyer has stated that neither a civil lawsuit nor a criminal complaint had been received by him or his client.
This legal action comes amidst a background of tensions involving Reichelt's conduct and his contractual relationship with Springer-Verlag. Reichelt was temporarily suspended as editor-in-chief at Axel Springer, the parent company of Springer-Verlag, amid controversies and internal investigations.
Meanwhile, Mathias Döpfner, the Springer CEO, has come into the public eye due to private messages expressing contempt for East Germans and Muslims and questionable understanding of journalistic integrity.
The outcome of this legal dispute will likely shed light on the complexities of corporate challenges when high-profile media executives depart under contentious circumstances.
Julian Reichelt, now renowned on social media for his controversial views, has found a new avenue for expression on YouTube. His channel, "Achtung, Reichelt!", boasts enterAction towards the "ruling class" and features guests who rant against pop-culture figures such as Gloria von Thurn und Taxis and Eva Vlaardingerbroek, often criticizing political correctness, migrants, and queer people.
The alleged breach of confidentiality agreements and non-poaching clause by Reichelt may result in financial consequences, as Springer-Verlag, his former employer, has filed a civil lawsuit against him. This dispute, reflecting the complexities of corporate challenges when media executives depart under contentious circumstances, could set a precedent in the industry.
