Following antisemitism accusations, broadcaster RTL has removed a special episode of the „Stefan Raab Show“ from its streaming service RTL+. The segment about Jewish Jungle Camp participant Gil Ofarim was criticized for perpetuating stereotypes. RTL describes it as a misunderstanding and pledges more sensitive content.
Broadcaster RTL has responded to criticism by removing a Jungle Camp special episode of the „Stefan Raab Show“ aired on January 27 – International Holocaust Remembrance Day – from its streaming platform RTL+. The program, hosted by Stefan Raab, featured a segment on singer and Jungle Camp contestant Gil Ofarim, accusing him of having a „cheater gene.“ It stated: „His musical talent comes from his father Abi Ofarim, who in reality wasn't Abi. This brings us to Gil's cheater gene, which he owes to his uncle Samuel.“ However, Ofarim has no uncle Samuel, as reported by the „Jüdische Allgemeine“ and „Bild“ newspaper.
The clip also showed dancing ultra-orthodox Jews to Ofarim's music with the comment that he scores hits in the „Jewish community.“ Another scene depicted a Middle Eastern-looking man hiding apples in a shopping cart, along with a contest called „Money or Gil.“ The „Jüdische Allgemeine“ condemned it as an antisemitic attribution: „The claim that Jews are inherently deceitful or more deceitful than others is as much a core element of antisemitic stereotypes as the image of the greedy Jew.“
RTL stated: „The segment deals with Gil Ofarim and his public behavior in the context of the known fraud allegations, particularly the antisemitic incident he himself claimed and later retracted.“ The broadcaster firmly rejects any form of antisemitism and acknowledged that the segment could lead to misunderstandings. The episode was taken offline, and future content will be checked more sensitively.
Background: In 2021, Ofarim falsely accused a Leipzig hotel of antisemitism, which he later withdrew in court. The show's satirical portrayal targeted this behavior but was seen as offensive.