Founded after the case involving Collien Fernandes and Christian Ulmen: The Feminist Fight Club explains who was behind it and why 13,000 demonstrated against digital violence in Berlin.
On Sunday, March 22nd, a rally took place at the Brandenburg Gate under the motto “Stop sexualized and digital violence!” instead of.
The demonstration was organized by the Feminist Fight Club, which was only founded in connection with the recent incidents. But who is behind the movement – and what exactly are they demanding?
Kira Bönisch: One of the founders of the Feminist Fight Club
One of the founders of the Feminist Fight Club is Kira Bönisch. The 25-year-old studies gender, intersectionality and politics at the Free University of Berlin and has been active in Fridays for Future for years. In an interview with the “taz” she said that she was shocked by the media report about Collien Fernandes and the sexualized deepfakes that were allegedly created by her ex-husband Christian Ulmen. For Bönisch one thing is certain: “But no matter who the perpetrator was: This case is further evidence of how much patriarchy endangers us women.”
“Only Yes Means Yes” initiative: reform of sexual criminal law
The Feminist Fight Club was initiated by the “Only Yes Means Yes” initiative. This calls for a reform of sexual criminal law in Germany towards the “only yes means yes principle”. This right already applies in 15 EU countries and was most recently enforced in France – after the Pelicot case.
Specifically, sex without explicit consent should be considered rape. This is intended to shift responsibility: those affected no longer have to justify why they didn’t say no. Victim blaming would no longer be possible.
This is currently not the case in Germany. Due to the poor legal situation locally, Fernandes has filed charges against his ex-husband Ulmen in Spain.
Demands: Combat digital violence online and offline
As part of this initiative, the Feminist Fight Club also expects clear regulations regarding digital violence. A yes-means-yes rule should apply not only offline, but also online. The rally called for: Clear laws against digitized sexual violence, against fake profiles, deepfakes, non-consensual distribution, threats and digital control as well as for consent and self-determination.
In addition, the foundation must first be laid in order to achieve these goals. This includes raising awareness among institutions and authorities, functioning procedures and the consistent implementation of measures that hold perpetrators accountable.
Numbers and extent of digital violence
What has only now been brought to public attention by the Collien Fernandes case has long been a reality for many women. 99 percent of pornographic deepfakes affect women. It is also a growing problem in the context of children and young people. According to the federal situation report “Gender-specific crimes against women”, 18,224 women and girls were victims of digital violence in 2024 – an increase of 6% compared to the previous year. These are exclusively reported cases.
Protection against digital sexualized violence is inadequate for the Feminist Fight Club. 13,000 people gathered at the rally on March 22nd.
Celebrity support on stage
Well-known activists such as Luisa Neubauer, Theresia Crone and Aaliyah Osman as well as speakers from HateAid and “Nur-Ja-means-Ja” were there. Musically, Mariybu + Ebow, IUMA, Soffie and Bahar Kizil supported the demands. Collien Fernandes promoted the demonstration, but was not there himself. A statement from her was read out on stage: “The state is not fulfilling its responsibility to guarantee personal rights, the right to sexual self-determination and the right to non-discrimination… We must no longer let the perpetrators get away with it.”
Next demo: Hamburg, March 26th
On Thursday, March 26th, there will also be a demonstration in Hamburg, supported by activist Luisa Neubauer.
