Overview
- Demonstrations on Augustusplatz opposed Lindemann’s guest role, with police citing about 400 participants and other reports around 800, led by groups including Leipzig nimmt Platz, Pro Choice Leipzig and Feministischer Streik Leipzig.
- Till Lindemann attended the gala late at about 9:30 p.m., arriving with violinist David Garrett after the main protest activity had ebbed.
- Oper Leipzig clarified it is not the organizer and said the event is run by Opernball Production GmbH, adding that it stands against violence and abuse.
- Event organizers defended the invitation by invoking the presumption of innocence and emphasized the charity focus, as roughly 2,000 guests celebrated under the “Bienvenidos, Andalucía” motto.
- Saxony minister Petra Köpping canceled her attendance, and coverage linked the invitation to long-time sponsor Fenger Group’s ties to the event.