“I don’t even know what to say, I’m so overwhelmed. I’ve been fighting for better protection against digital violence for years,” says Collien Fernandes (44), who is still called Elmen onlineopposite the “Picture” about the demo in Berlin. “I had phases in which I no longer had any strength. But now all these people are at my side and we are fighting this fight together. That really means a lot to me! I would like to say to every single person who was there: Thank you, thank you, thank you for that!”

Solidarity with Collien Fernandes: 13,000 people take to the streets

According to a report by the “Tagesschau”, the demonstration in front of the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin had a newly founded alliance called “Feminist Fight Club!” initiated. There were 500 participants registered for Sunday. According to the police, a good 6,700 people expressed their opinion “Against sexualized digital violence – solidarity with all victims”, and the organizers named around 13,000 participants.

Marie Nasemann, Luisa Neubauer, Mareile Höppner: These stars are taking part in the demo

After Collien Fernandes’ allegations against her ex-husband Christian Ulmen (50) became known, numerous celebrities and fans showed their solidarity on social media. Many celebrities were also present at the demonstration. “13,000 people, today in Berlin, in front of the Brandenburg Gate,” summarized singer Bahar Kizil (37) in an Instagram story. And the musician, who appeared on stage at the demo, continued: “Thank you to everyone who was there, for this community. Solidarity with everyone affected. I cried a lot today and was able to transform my anger into courage and hope.”

Model, actress and author Marie Nasemann (37) also took the stage in Berlin and gave a speech. She shared excerpts of this in several Instagram stories, in which you can hear, among other things: “I’m here today because, like many of you, I’m just so angry. And I’m tired of the indignation about new headlines. That every time we act as if it was an isolated incident.”

Climate activist Luisa Neubauer (29) also addressed those present. In an Instagram post she wrote: “I would love to just take care of the climate. But I am a woman, we are women, in this country, in this time and we can’t do anything ‘just like that’. So we are defending ourselves. 13,000 people spontaneously on the streets in solidarity with Collien Fernandes and everyone affected.”

Moderator Mareile Höppner (48) attended the demo with her son, which “very moved” her, as she revealed in an Instagram story and emphasized: “There were many of us, not just women, but also men – partners, fathers, sons. Because only together can we create rules and laws on the internet.” According to the “Bild” newspaper, presenter Johanna Klum (45) and actress Xenia Seeberg (58) were also on site.

Further demos, including in Hamburg on March 26th, are to follow, as the “Only Yes Means Yes” initiative reports on Instagram.

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.