Recommendations of the Editorial team
The case involving actress and presenter Collien Fernandes and her ex-partner Christian Ulmen regarding digital and domestic violence as well as the protection of those affected is taking on long-term media contours. In a 30-minute talk with Frauke Ludowig for the RTL format “Exclusiv Weekend,” Fernandes described the psychological stress of the past few months. The atmosphere in the studio was calm and familiar, far away from the riotous television. “We know something about each other and don’t want to hide it. That’s why we’re on first name terms,” explained Ludowig. In addition to detailing the details, the moderator asked open questions: “How are you actually?”
Massive impact on private and professional life
The public confrontation with the allegations against her ex-partner Christian Ulmen had significant consequences for Fernandes’ private and professional life. When her allegations became public in March 2026, she was filming for the TV series “Das Traumschiff”.
The strain was noticeable everywhere there. “We have very thin walls on the ship,” Fernandes said. Some nights she screamed at her ex-husband in her sleep. “Then people knock on the door and say: ‘You seem to be dreaming about it and you’re cursing him quite loudly’ – and you can hear something like that next door too.”
This also resulted in post-traumatic stress disorder. “There were times when I just lay in bed with panic attacks.”
Therapeutic work-up and turning point
Fernandes had already dealt with the events therapeutically before she went public with her allegations. She is now doing much better. But no one leaves “a story like this without something.”
At the same time, she described a personal turning point: “I now have the feeling that there is, so to speak, life after death.” Today she is back at a point where she is at least temporarily stable. “I wouldn’t have thought that at the time.”
Online reactions remained far from malicious and were largely pro-Fernandes. One user draws parallels: “Ulmen seems like Bohlen. So pure of control and gaslighting towards his partners.”
Investigations by the public prosecutor’s office
The case is still not legally closed. According to media reports, the Potsdam public prosecutor’s office is also investigating suspected domestic violence.
Public conversation in the German Theater
A public conversation follows in the “Tagesspiegel Capital Talks” series. Under the title “The Price of Courage”, Fernandes will speak to Tagesspiegel editors-in-chief Christian Tretbar and Laura Himmelreich on June 28, 2026 at the Deutsches Theater Berlin (D/T) about their experiences, the social debate and the consequences of their public appearance.
Laura Himmelreich and the Brüderle affair
Laura Himmelreich sits on the podium in D/T and is now deputy editor-in-chief of Tagesspiegel. In 2013, Himmelreich became known nationwide through her portrait in the magazine “Stern” with the headline “Der Herrenwitz” about the then FDP top candidate Rainer Brüderle. In it she described a remark made by Brüderle on the sidelines of the FDP party conference about her dirndl and her cleavage that was perceived as sexist.
The publication triggered the nationwide sexism debate around the hashtag “#Outcry”. At the time, the case was a first “modern” impact in the area of public discussion about abuse of power, border crossings and the treatment of those affected.
Legal perspective
Legally, the case is by no means closed. A final assessment of the allegations is still pending. Ulmen rejects the allegations made against him. He explained through his legal representatives that, in his opinion, untrue factual allegations were being spread. Announced legal action and the public rejection of the allegations continue to be part of his team’s defense strategy. Christian Ulmen is presumed innocent until the matter is legally clarified.
_____________________________________________________________
Why does Campino think that sometimes it’s good to just keep your mouth shut? Why does he sometimes feel like a drinks delivery man? He provides the answer in our cover story about the Toten Hosen’s big farewell, exclusively in issue 06/26. And that’s not all: the magazine includes the world exclusive 7-inch single “Always just loved” – on which Sven Regener from Element of Crime also contributed. You can easily order the ROLLING STONE edition here.