Recommendations of the Editorial team
In the latest issue of ZDF Magazin Royale, Jan Böhmermann dedicates himself to the case surrounding Collien Fernandes and once again triggers a heated discussion. But the presenter also uses the episode to further focus on the debate about sexualized digital violence on social media. She comments on the show in her own post on Instagram and thus becomes an active voice in the expected shitstorm against Böhmermann’s statements.
Point of contention: presumption of innocence
The focus of the program is less on the specific accusation than on a legal principle: the presumption of innocence. Böhmermann explains that this applies primarily to state procedures – but in the same sense not to private individuals. From this he derives the thesis that one can “assume private guilt” if it seems obvious.
Reflexively, there were numerous comments on Collien Fernandes’ post about the episode that viewed Böhmermann’s statements as more than critical or that the moderator was lying. For example, in the comment column it says: “I prefer a German court and its verdict to read if there is an indictment at all. The Spanish judiciary saw no need. Lies never have any substance in court.”
However, Fernandes immediately counters: “That’s not true! Since the crimes began in Germany and continued in Spain, Germany was seen as having jurisdiction. According to the court, it was expressly NOT about questions of criminal relevance! And THAT is EXACTLY the point at issue here. We don’t look at facts, but at what is consciously suggested.”
Emotional debate
Elsewhere, an Instagram user comments on a fringe discussion on the topic: “This smear campaign to enforce the real name requirement and digital identity can be explained in one word: PATHETIC.” Fernandes replies: “Neither Hate Aid nor I are in favor of enforcing a real name requirement! Please start dealing with facts!”
To the accusation of “Wild claims from an EX-WIFE! Without evidence!!”, Collien Fernandes replies: “They are all available to Spiegel. Why hasn’t the other side presented anything? And why do you actually believe the person who doesn’t want to say anything about it, or says things and then forbids (the media) from printing what you have said? That seems more credible to you?”
In another post on Collien Fernandes’ Instagram profile you can also see numerous positive messages. Among them, for example, from Ruth Moschner: “To the point! Full solidarity with Collien and everyone whose credibility is questioned and should be silenced under the threat of violence.”
Christian Ulmen, however, is vehemently defending himself against his ex-wife’s allegations through his lawyers. Through his lawyer, he denies having distributed deepfakes of her.
