Lisa Fitz false statements in “Spätschicht”: SWR deletes output

Cabaret artist
False statements by Lisa Fitz about alleged vaccination deaths: SWR deletes “late shift” from all channels

According to false statements by cabaret artist Lisa Fitz about vaccination deaths in the SWR comedy show “Spätschicht”, Südwestrundfunk admitted errors. Fitz spoke of 5,000 corona vaccine deaths across the EU in the program that was broadcast on the previous Friday evening on SWR. Because it was a false factual assertion by Fitz, the broadcast would be removed from the ARD media library and also removed from all SWR platforms and channels, the broadcaster announced on Sunday. With a view to the politics in the show, Fitz speaks of one percent alarmists, “who control 99 percent lemmings”. The compulsory vaccination is the “wet dream of pharmaceuticals”.

Freedom of expression does not apply indefinitely

“The criticism of this issue of” Spätschicht “is right for us,” said Clemens Bratzler, SWR Program Director Information. “When designing the issue in question, the editorial team wanted to give space to different and critical opinions, including on the sensitive topic of vaccination.” However, the freedom of expression does not apply indefinitely, but also ends in a comedy or satirical broadcast in the event of false assertions of fact. “Lisa Fitz’s statement about the number of vaccine deaths is demonstrably wrong.”

In a previous statement, the SWR had emphasized that although Fitz’s statements were difficult in their effect, they were covered by freedom of expression. “Freedom of expression is very important to us,” emphasized Bratzler on Sunday. “Nevertheless, the first reaction was wrong because this is not about an expression of opinion.” The debate sharpens the view of the journalistic standards and the effect of the offers.

Previously, among others, the Berlin daily “taz” reported on Lisa Fitz’s appearance and the SWR’s first statement.

yks
dpa