Tackling the T-Word: Dieter Hallervorden in the Hot Seat
- By Wiebke Tomescheit
- Time reader-friendly: 2 mins
ARD Uses N-word: Has Mr. Hallervorden Left the Broadcast? - N-word Used in ARD Broadcast
ARD, turning 75, is throwing a party to remember. Big names like Iris Berben, Barbara Schöneberger, Günther Jauch, Paola Felix, Jürgen von der Lippe, and Dieter Hallervorden were on the guest list for a nostalgic night filled with memories and anecdotes from over seven decades of broadcasting.
However, this celebratory evening left an unpleasant aftertaste in some quarters. Comedian and host Jürgen von der Lippe questioned the newsroom's decision about forbidding Tagesschau anchors to end their evening greeting with "ladies and gentlemen."
Later, Barbara Schöneberger recalled a clip from the classic "Sketchup" series, implying that such humor may no longer be tolerated today.
Dieter Hallervorden Pushes the Limit
Eighty-nine-year-old comedy and acting veteran, Dieter Hallervorden (Didi - The Double, Honey in the Head), wanted to reprise his legendary "Palim Palim" sketch with longtime collaborator Harald Effenberg - the one featuring the fries bottle prop. But Hallervorden adapted the prison setting for his remake. During the scene, Effenberg inquired about Hallervorden's incarceration, to which Hallervorden jokingly replied that he'd been jailed for the wrong use of words for chocolate kisses and Hungarian sauce - but he wasn't exactly straightforward, choosing instead to use both the N-word and Z-word in front of an audience of a million.
In a previous conversation with host Kai Pflaume, Hallervorden voiced his political leanings, finding pleasure in satire because he relished giving "political tutoring." Yet, his flippant use of racial slurs raises questions about his understanding of political discourse and the impact it has on minorities. Despite this controversial sketch, no attendees voiced any concerns, and host Kai Pflaume continued his duties as usual.
Age is No Excuse for Insensitivity
Though Hallervorden is a beloved figure in German entertainment, his advanced age and esteemed career do not absolve him from understanding the difference between advocating for free speech and disrespect towards minorities.
In the contemporary world, an individual with wisdom and life experience should realize the contrast between supporting free speech and belittling or marginalizing individuals based on their race or nationality.
- The broadcaster ARD, in celebration of its 75th anniversary, hosted a gala event, inviting notable personalities such as Dieter Hallervorden, but the evening was sullied by a bitter exchange concerning the newsroom's policy on evening greetings.
- During the same gala, Dieter Hallervorden, known for his comedy and acting prowess, pushed the limits with a controversial sketch that included the use of racial slurs, sparking questions about his political discourse and its impact on minorities.
- Despite his advanced age and esteemed career, Dieter Hallervorden must understand that his fame does not exempt him from recognizing the crucial distinction between promoting free speech and disrespecting minorities, a lesson that transcends decades and tomes.
