RTL+ took all content with Christian Ulmen offline, Joyn stopped “jerks.” – and a crime scene episode is being put to the test. An overview of all reactions.
Serious allegations against actor Christian Ulmen from his ex-wife Collien Fernandes recently became known. He is said to have created and distributed fake pornographic content about her for years.
While a Spanish court expressed caution in an early phase of the investigation, the media and institutional reaction in Germany shows the scope of the case.
Consequences for elms
The first consequences can be seen in the program area. Broadcasters and platforms are re-examining or temporarily withdrawing content with Elmen. RTL+ says it has taken all content with elms offline. The streaming service Joyn also picked up his series “jerks.” from the offer.
When asked what happened to Christian Ulmen’s “Tatort” episodes, a spokeswoman for the ARD program director told “rtl.de”: “We have dealt with the allegations that have become public regarding Christian Ulmen and, given their significance, asked him for a statement. We are monitoring current developments and reserve the right to take further steps.” ARD currently keeps all of its episodes online in the media library.
A “Tatort” episode with him was scheduled to be broadcast by MDR on April 15th. When asked by “T-Online,” the broadcaster said: “We are currently conducting an internal review.” The MDR has not yet made a decision.
At the same time, Ulmen’s business structures are also beginning to falter. His production company “Pajama Pictures” wants structural changes that would allow Ulmen to sell shares. The company writes on its social media channels: “Even if the presumption of innocence applies, to protect the company we are already in discussions with Christian Ulmen about returning his shareholder shares.” They also show solidarity with all victims of violence: “Our entire loyalty and empathy goes out to Collien Fernandes, as well as all victims of sexual, physical and emotional abuse. We condemn violence of any nature – analogue and digital.” It is also said that there are currently no new projects planned with him. In a project-based industry, this amounts to a virtual standstill.
Advertising partners also react: “Shop Apotheke” stopped broadcasting the commercial with Elmen and Fernandes.
“The Au Pair” on the brink?
In 2025 he produced a series developed under the working title “The Au Pair”. Christian Ulmen took on a central creative role within the project – as showrunner, director and leading actor.
According to Joyn’s statement to “DWDL”, the format is still in production: “The series is still in production. The series is not scheduled to be broadcast this year. Regardless, an important pillar of the rule of law principle applies: the presumption of innocence.”
Ulmen’s public persona was always closely linked to provocation. Formats like “My New Friend” or “Who Wants to Fuck My Girlfriend” rely on crossing boundaries and a type of oversexualization that is often read as post-pubescent humor.
