Recommendations of the editorial team
Riccardo Simonetti soon has a appearance in the cult series “Sesame Straße”. After numerous hate comments under the associated social media post, the NDR blocked the comment column and expressed solidarity with Simonetti. The moderator himself also published a statement on Instagram.
The new season has already been announced on the social media accounts of the “Sesame Road”. The influencer is said to sing a song with the characters of the show under the motto “Self Empowerment” (“Now your time is coming”).
Insulting comments are not tolerated
Although the episode will only be released in the coming autumn, numerous negative comments were bustling, especially under the post on Facebook. The guest selection was criticized, partly with homophobic and insulting statements. The NDR reacted determined: he blocked the comment column and made it clear that such statements were not tolerated. Under the post it says: “Dear community, we are always happy about stimulating discussions and an exchange with you. Opinions may be freely expressed here. However, we have concluded this comment column because homophones and insulting statements against Ricardo Simonetti have increased. We do not tolerate these comments.”
At a request from the “world”, the NDR also announced that the children’s series “has been for tolerance and respect and a lived positive cooperation between humans and dolls for more than 50 years”. “Domaining and inhuman” comments would have no place. Elmo, Bibo and Co. teach kids in a playful and humorous way in 55 seasons like the alphabet. Interpersonal values in relation to friendship and peaceful coexistence are often an issue.
Mixed opinions in the comment column
In the other comments on Facebook, there is still still criticism of the upcoming episode. So a user wrote: “Even if you should be open. Something like that doesn’t belong in a children’s program. Sesame road is no longer what it was very bad.” However, there are also numerous statements that are positive about the whole and praise the diversity of the program. For example, it says: “I look forward to it and find it nice that the Sesame road remains connected to its tradition and shows how diverse our world is.”
Mental Health challenge for the show guest
Riccardo Simonetti is active as a TV presenter and podcaster and has been living openly gay for years. On his Instagram channel, the 32-year-old commented on the current event: “Would have been nice if Germany might have to wait until the episode appears before making a scandal out of it.” He also explained: “The people who put the child’s best interests when writing such comments are of the smallest of their interest in protecting children.” He accuses the commenter of “instrumentalizing” the offspring in order to “operate agitation with his own intention”.
Simonetti also announced further details about the upcoming episode. Topics such as sexual orientation or gender identity would not play a role in it. It should only be about giving kids the feeling of being valuable and lovable. He later added in his Instagram story: “The entire rushing Sesame Straße messages and comments have made the last few days a real mental health challenge.”