Overview

• Markus Söder had compared Germany without key industries to a “lady without a lower body” in an early‑September FAZ interview before the Munich auto show.
• Student Olivia Ebowe confronted him on BR24’s ‘jetzt red i’, saying the remark reduced women to their bodies and reflected a sexist worldview.
• Söder said he had not expected the uproar, described the phrase as a long‑standing German metaphor, and attributed reactions to generational differences.
• He apologized, promised not to use the wording again, then touted Bavaria’s equality and safety record and concluded, “We are, honestly, pretty awesome.”
• Advocacy groups and many social media users criticized the response as a “nonpology,” while the student drew widespread praise and strong engagement on BR24’s Instagram post.