The three-part BR series about Jérôme Boateng is under massive fire. Now contributors are also expressing criticism.
The documentary about Jérôme Boateng has been criticized by the public since its release. Most recently, participants in the documentary complained about their shortened and therefore distorted statements.
“Being Jérôme Boateng”: The story and the controversy
The three-part documentary series “Being Jérôme Boateng” from BR appeared in the ARD media library at the end of November 2025 and has been under massive fire ever since. According to its own description, it tells “the story of a soccer world champion between triumph and fall. From the football field to the 2014 World Cup title, from the celebrated symbol of integration to the convicted perpetrator of intentional bodily harm against his ex-partner.”
Immediately after publication, BR and ARD were hit with a barrage of strong criticism. In the comments section of the documentary announcement on Instagram, there was a particular lack of understanding as to why a convicted criminal was being offered such a big stage. The broadcasters are accused of one-sided reporting. For many viewers, the documentary seems like an attempt by Boateng to improve his image.
Read more opinions here:
New developments – contributors distanced themselves
Critics of the 37-year-old also have their say in the documentary. Three different opposing voices have now distanced themselves from the series and criticized the production.
Investigative reporter Gabriela Keller explained in an interview with “Spiegel”: “It is very irritating for me to appear in such crisis PR on ARD. I did not give my consent for that.” After the broadcast, she was surprised why her clear statements were not part of the content: “Three, four very general sentences” were part of the episodes. She also didn’t understand the role she was supposed to play in the production: “What role am I playing? As a fig leaf?”
TikToker Gizem Çelik also appears in the production. She felt the same way as the journalist. She told the news site: “When I gave the interview, the status was 100 percent: Jérôme Boateng is not part of this documentary.” However, this is not only part of the documentary, but also takes up most of the screen time. Regarding the brief reproduction of her critical statements, she said: “I had the feeling that this was not at all close to my position. Where are these clear words?”
Attorney Dr. Alexander Stevens, who legally classified the case in the documentary, had the same experiences. According to him, this is “at the expense of a fair legal classification,” as he said on Instagram.
Read the lawyer’s statement here:
Justification of ARD and BR
In a statement, ARD and BR responded to the news portal: “The documentary takes a differentiated, critical and multi-perspective look at Jérôme Boateng’s entire life. We tell a complex life story in its entirety. Beyond the individual case, the documentary series uses Boateng as an example to address questions about how sports heroes are dealt with in the football system, the dynamics of social media and social expectations.”
The story of Jérôme Boateng and Kasia Lenhardt
Already at the beginning of the almost year-long relationship between the professional footballer and Kasia Lenhardt, there were allegations of physical violence towards his ex. Investigations into this were started in 2019. After the separation in February 2021, Boateng accused her in an interview with “Bild” of wanting to destroy his career with these accusations. A week after its publication, the then 25-year-old committed suicide. The investigation was stopped after the death of the “Germany’s Next Top Model” finalist.
The former international was taken to court over further allegations of physical abuse in a separate case – this also involves an ex-girlfriend. The Berliner was found guilty in the court case in the summer of 2024. The Munich regional court imposed a warning and a fine of 100,000 euros, which must be donated to a charitable organization.
A positive consequence of the series is that the shitstorm surrounding the production stimulates the public debate about domestic violence.