The Axel-Springer-Verlag has filed a lawsuit against the former Picturesubmitted by boss Julian Reichelt. The group wants to reclaim a seven-figure severance payment that Reichelt received when he left. In addition, a six-figure penalty could come to Reichelt. The case is with the Berlin Labor Court, as a court spokeswoman said on Monday to the German Press Agency. The lawsuit was received by the court on April 20. The next step is to set a deadline.
Previously he had Mirror reported about it. When Reichelt was released in autumn 2021, he concluded a severance agreement with Springer – a severance payment in the millions was agreed. In addition, the parties are said to have agreed on various obligations there. Reichelt is said to have violated several of these duties.
The breaches of duty involved confidential data that he is said to have released, he said Mirror. He also signed an alleged non-solicitation clause – but some former members are now working for his media company Rome Medien GmbH Picture-Editors. A clause in this contract should bring Reichelt a six-figure fine – in addition to the reclaimed severance payment.
Reichelt was relieved of his post in 2021. Numerous employees testified against him and accused him of abuse of power, and he is said to have had affairs with employees who reported to him. Reichelt denies the allegations. A Springer spokesman said they were not commenting on ongoing legal proceedings.