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Claudia Roth, Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media
Photo: Britta Pedersen / dpa
The Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, Claudia Roth (Greens), denounces abuse of power in the cultural sector against the background of allegations of sexualized violence against Rammstein singer Till Lindemann. Lindemann rejected the allegations against him on Thursday.
"We need greater awareness of abuse of power and sexualized violence, not only in the music industry, but in the entire cultural sector," Roth told SPIEGEL. »The times of evil machismo combined with abuse of power and even sexualized violence should really and definitely be over.«
Hememic reactions
The Green politician described it as unacceptable "if some stars believe they can take advantage of their celebrities". Such a macho culture from times gone by has no place in today's art and culture. »Even artistic geniuses and superstars are not above the law.«
Roth calls for a complete investigation of the allegations against Lindemann. "The structures behind it must be taken very seriously." It takes a lot of strength and courage to report on such border crossings and sexualized violence of the kind in question, Roth said.
This is also shown by the sometimes aggressive and malicious reactions to the women they are confronted with on social media. "This disparagement, trivialization and shifting of responsibility, as it can now be observed in part, is absolutely unacceptable."
In order to combat abuse of power and sexual assault in the cultural and creative scene, Roth has presented an "Action Plan to Promote Cultural Change against Sexual Harassment and Violence in the Cultural and Media Sectors".
One goal, said the Minister of State, was to draw up a code of conduct for the entire cultural sector. Labels, publishers and festivals, as well as organisers, have a duty to "take a look and not tolerate forms of abuse of power, including sexual assault".