“The Westin”
Anti-Semitism allegations by Gil Ofarim: Leipzig hotel completes investigation
Gil Ofarim reported on an anti-Semitic incident in Leipzig in an Instagram video
© Tobias Hase / DPA
After the anti-Semitism allegations by singer Gil Ofarim, “The Westin Leipzig” has completed its investigation.
After anti-Semitism allegations by the singer Gil Ofarim, the Leipzig hotel in question has completed its internal investigations and does not want to take any action against the accused employee.
Gil Ofarim: Leipzig hotel completes investigation
Specialized lawyers had reconstructed the events in the lobby, announced the operator of “The Westin Leipzig”, the hotel company Gerberstrasse Betriebs GmbH, on Wednesday. A 118-page report “taking into account all available evidence” came to the conclusion that there were no “objectifiable” indications that would justify criminal or labor law action against the employee.
“We have therefore decided that appropriate measures will not be taken against the employee,” said a statement. Since the employee is still exposed to massive hostility, he will initially not yet fully perform his duties “from a welfare point of view”.
Ofarim accused employees of anti-Semitism
The singer described in a video at the beginning of October that an employee of “The Westin Leipzig” had asked him to remove his necklace with a Star of David. Ofarim made a complaint. He is the son of the Israeli musician Abi Ofarim (1937-2018).
According to the information, the law firm found guests who were at the hotel reception at the time of the incident. She conducted interviews with the guests, the accused employee, other employees and witnesses. In addition, the public prosecutor’s office had given access to files relating to the interrogation of witnesses who only wanted to speak to the investigating authorities. A specialized expert prepared an expert opinion on video recordings and examined them for possible manipulation.
The hotel does not want to comment on the allegations. The labor law instruction was issued to all employees not to make any further statements to the media.