Sebastian Hotz, an employee of German state television ZDF who is known as “El Hotzo” on Jan Böhmermann’s show “ZDF-Magazin Royale,” is facing backlash for his controversial comments about the assassination attempt on Donald Trump. Hotz expressed regret that Trump did not die in the attempt, stating on his social media platform that he finds it “absolutely fantastic when fascists die.”
High-profile media lawyer Joachim Steinhöfel condemned Hotz’s comments, calling them the “ugly, fascist grimace of Böhmermann’s accomplices.” He questioned the consequences of allowing such statements to go unchecked. Bundestag Vice President Wolfgang Kubicki also criticized Hotz, describing his remarks as “public approval of serious crimes” and calling for legal action to be taken.
Despite the outcry, ZDF has not issued a statement regarding the matter. The broadcaster has a history of supporting Böhmermann, even in the face of controversy. Recently, Böhmermann came under fire for comparing political opponents to infected pigs and advocating for the “culling” of Nazis.
Sebastian Hotz, who was honored with the Bavarian Cabaret Prize last year, has since deleted his post about the assassination attempt following public outrage. The award is given by Bayerischer Rundfunk, among others, and Hotz’s comments have sparked protests and calls for accountability.
The incident has raised questions about the boundaries of free speech and the responsibility of public figures in the media. The backlash against Hotz highlights the need for a more nuanced understanding of the impact of inflammatory rhetoric, especially in a volatile political climate.
As debates around freedom of expression and hate speech continue to evolve, it is crucial for individuals and institutions to consider the implications of their words and actions. The case of Sebastian Hotz serves as a reminder of the power of language and the importance of promoting respectful discourse in the public sphere.