Self-criticism after “Kölner Treff”: Micky Beisenherz apologizes to Collien Fernandes

In “Kölner Treff” Collien Fernandes talked about her experiences with deepfakes and identity abuse. In view of the current headlines, moderator Micky Beisenherz apologizes for the direction in which he steered the conversation.

In the podcast “Apocalypse and filter coffee“(Episode title: “Identity Crisis”), Micky Beisenherz admits that it was only after the show that he realized that he had set the focus wrong. He says, “Once again it’s my fault.” Beisenherz admits that the editorial team “quite rightly” reproached him for spending too long on the topic of “dream ship” out of personal interest. As a result, the actual core topic – the deepfakes, which, among other things, were the reason for Fernandes’ invitation – was “a little neglected”.

In his apology, he also emphasized: “I don’t want to give the impression that I’m being flippant about it in any way, because I’m really extremely sorry for what Collien Fernandes had to suffer. That’s terrible and an abuse of trust.”

In the video: Collien Fernandes: “Germany is an absolute paradise for perpetrators”

Micky Beisenherz (r.) with the “Kölner Treff” guests, including Collien Fernandes (3rd from right) IMAGO / Future Image

He also addressed the larger social dimension. Together with his podcast discussion partner Clara Nathusius, he classified the case and said: “It is a social and male problem.”

Collien Fernandes spoke about identity abuse in the “Kölner Treff”.

Last Friday (March 13th), Collien Fernandes reported on the WDR “Kölner Treff” with an audibly trembling voice about the fake profiles, fake nude videos and alleged sex recordings that were circulating online under her name.

Already on the show, Fernandes indicated that the person behind the identity theft was “known and close” to her, but did not give a name. When fellow guest Rebecca Mir asked directly whether she now knew who was responsible, Fernandes hesitated for a long time and finally just nodded. When asked whether she had taken legal action, she replied briefly: “It’s a difficult topic right now.” It only became public on Thursday Collien Fernandes reported her husband Christian Ulmen because of this.

Christian Ulmen’s lawyer comments

The magazine “Spiegel” gave Ulmen the opportunity to comment. His lawyers offered the journalists a background conversation. They therefore responded to some of the allegations. However, the conversation should not be reported.

In response to a BUNTE.de inquiry, Christian Ulmen’s lawyer announced on Thursday evening that “untrue facts are being spread based on a one-sided description.” Legal action should be taken. There was no further comment on the allegations.

So far there has been no further statement from him regarding the allegations. After Fernandes’ complaint, a preliminary investigation was initiated. So far it is unclear how the process will continue. Christian Ulmen is presumed innocent.