Riccardo Simonetti Faces Escalating Backlash Over Upcoming 'Sesamstraße' Appearance

The NDR defends Simonetti's inclusion on the children's show as promoting tolerance, while the host shares the mental health toll of online attacks.

Riccardo Simonetti's planned guest appearance on 'Sesamstraße' has drawn significant homophobic backlash, primarily from right-wing social media accounts.
The NDR closed the comment section on the show's official Facebook post due to an increase in offensive and hateful comments targeting Simonetti.
Simonetti expressed frustration and described the backlash as a serious mental health challenge in recent social media posts.
Critics claim Simonetti's appearance is inappropriate for a children's program, while supporters praise the show's commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Filming for the new season of 'Sesamstraße,' set to air in October 2025, continues as planned, with Simonetti and other celebrity guests participating.