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ARD Releases ‘Being Jérôme Boateng’ as Backlash Grows Over Platforming a Convicted Ex-Star

The release has reignited scrutiny of media responsibility toward celebrated athletes with criminal convictions.

Overview

  • The three-part series is available in the ARD Mediathek from November 21 and will air late-night on the channel at 23:55.
  • The documentary uses previously unreleased material and features Boateng speaking about the death of his ex-girlfriend Kasia Lenhardt.
  • Social media users criticized ARD for giving Boateng a platform following his legally binding 2024 conviction for intentional simple bodily harm.
  • The Munich I Regional Court verdict from July 2024 is final, though reports note he is not classified as having a prior criminal record under German law.
  • Fan protests at Bayern’s October 18 home match preceded Boateng dropping a planned training internship at the club, which he said at the end of October would not go ahead.