Youtubers bahadır and yücel return grimme prize
The YouTubers Bahadır and Yücel from the channel 'Uncivilized' have returned their Grimme Prize in the 'Youth' category. The decision comes after ongoing criticism of their content. The award was given for the video 'Die Welt ist nicht genug'.
The Grimme Prize is one of Germany's most prestigious media awards. This year, Bahadır and Yücel, operators of the YouTube channel 'Uncivilized', received the prize in the 'Youth' category for their satirical video 'Die Welt ist nicht genug'. The video addresses societal issues and has garnered millions of views.
The jury initially praised the work for its 'bold engagement with current challenges'. However, shortly after the announcement in March 2023, criticism poured in. Many accused the duo of reinforcing far-right or discriminatory narratives through their humor. Organizations like the Amadeu Antonio Foundation criticized that the award sent the wrong signal.
Bahadır and Yücel initially defended themselves: 'Our content is satire, not a call to hate', they stated in a response. Nevertheless, debates escalated on social media and led to petitions demanding the prize's withdrawal.
On October 15, 2023, the YouTubers announced their decision to return the prize. In a joint statement on their channel, they said: 'We don't want a prize that divides us and our fans. Better to focus on our work.' The Grimme Prize jury regretted the step but emphasized the independence of the selection.
This return highlights tensions in the German media landscape, where satire meets societal boundaries. The incident raises questions about the role of awards in polarized times, without a unified opinion emerging.