Gerd Heidemann, Reporter Behind Hitler Diaries Hoax, Dies at 93
The former Stern journalist became infamous for presenting forged Hitler diaries in 1983, leading to one of Germany's biggest media scandals.
- Gerd Heidemann, a former Stern journalist, died on December 9, 2024, at the age of 93 in Hamburg, Germany.
- Heidemann gained notoriety in 1983 for presenting Adolf Hitler's supposed diaries, which were later revealed to be forgeries by Konrad Kujau.
- The Stern magazine spent 9.3 million Deutsche Marks on the fake diaries, which were initially touted as a historical sensation before being discredited by experts and the German Federal Archives.
- Heidemann was convicted of embezzling millions from the funds allocated for the diaries and served over four years in prison, alongside Kujau, the forger.
- The scandal severely damaged Stern's reputation and inspired adaptations, including the satirical film 'Schtonk!' and the podcast series 'Faking Hitler.'
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