"ZDF under fire for alleged breach of personal rights in case involving false statements by Boehmermann"
In a significant turn of events, Manuel Ostermann, the deputy federal chairman of the German Police Union (DPolG), has filed a defamation lawsuit against ZDF and its host, Jan Böhmermann. The lawsuit, represented by the Cologne law firm Hocker Rechtsanwälte, was submitted to the Munich District Court 1.
The lawsuit stems from an episode of "ZDF Magazin Royale" that aired on March 28, 2025, during which Böhmermann expressed massive criticism of the federal police. The lawsuit seeks to prevent further dissemination of certain statements made by Böhmermann that Ostermann's defenders consider defamatory and existentially threatening.
Throughout several segments of the show, Böhmermann personally attacked Ostermann, referring to him as a "gentlemen's man in a Skoda," a "self-radicalized Michel from Lönneberga," and a "three-quarters filled punching bag with the Blitzkrieg haircut."
If ZDF resists the lawsuit, it could face possible fines, and its director, Norbert Himmler, could even face detention orders for non-compliance.
The lawsuit does not involve any other members of the German Police Union aside from Manuel Ostermann. It also does not address any specific actions or decisions made by the federal police. Instead, it seeks legal recourse for the alleged defamation and personal attacks against Ostermann.
The lawsuit, if successful, could potentially set a precedent for future cases involving personal attacks and defamation in German media. However, it is important to note that the lawsuit does not specify any monetary damages being sought.
As the case progresses, it will be interesting to see how the German media landscape and the relationship between public figures and media outlets evolve. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
[1] Source: Der Spiegel, "Manuel Ostermann reicht Klage gegen ZDF und Jan Böhmermann ein," 30 March 2025.
The lawsuit initiated by Manuel Ostermann, targeting ZDF and its host, Jan Böhmermann, may have an impact on how future defamation cases in German media are handled, particularly regarding personal attacks. This legal action stems from a social-media entertainment show, ZDF Magazin Royale, where Ostermann was subjected to derogatory comments and pop-culture references, such as being likened to a "gentlemen's man in a Skoda," and other disparaging characterizations.
