Overview
- Several activists entered the ring during the Christmas Day premiere and tried to unfurl banners reading “Tiere raus aus der Manege” as lights went out and security removed them.
- Animal Rebellion claimed responsibility, said four members took part, alleged violent ejection, and said it will file criminal complaints and provide video to Munich’s veterinary authority.
- Munich police said more than ten patrols responded, seized two banners, and cited a 20-year-old from Nuremberg and a 56-year-old from Munich for trespass and an assembly-law offense.
- Officers reported no injuries among activists they encountered and said those present declined to file a complaint when asked.
- Circus director Martin Lacey Jr. rejected the violence and animal-cruelty allegations, said staff acted properly, and the performance continued to its conclusion to strong applause.