German Politician Demands Damages from RBB Over False Reporting

Green Party's Stefan Gelbhaar seeks compensation after inaccurate allegations of misconduct harmed his political career.

Stefan Gelbhaar, a Green Party politician, is demanding a high six-figure damages sum from RBB for false allegations of sexual misconduct.
The allegations, later found to be partly fabricated, led to Gelbhaar losing his Bundestag candidacy and potentially cost him a seat in parliament.
RBB admitted to severe journalistic errors, including reliance on a falsified affidavit and failure to verify key sources.
Gelbhaar claims €500,000 in compensation for reputational harm and additional compensation for lost parliamentary income.
RBB has confirmed receiving the legal claim but disputes some of Gelbhaar's assertions, citing a timeline that predates their reporting.