people - Böhmermann is again involved in the 'Honey-Conflict'
ZDF satirist Jan Böhmermann once again finds himself in hot water in the "Honey Dispute" case. The Higher Regional Court of Dresden rejected his appeal in an expedited procedure against a judgment of the Dresden Regional Court from February.
Beekeeper Rico Heinzig had advertised honey with Böhmermann's likeness and name for his business, intending it to be understood as satire. Previously, Böhmermann had featured Heinzig in his ZDF Magazin Royal show.
The background is a contribution from the ZDF Magazin Royale show on November 3, 2023, where Böhmermann criticized companies that grant bee patronages to corporations and declared it as engagement for sustainability and animal protection. This was deemed nothing more than "Beewashing" - a term meaning a form of misleading advertising with supposed ecological advantages of a product. Heinzig and his My Honey GmbH were involved in the proceedings.
Heinzig turned the tables and labeled honey from his production with a "Beewashing" label. In a Dresden supermarket, he placed a display stand showing Böhmermann's name and image with the addition "Recommended Leading Bee and Ant Expert." Böhmermann felt his personal rights were violated, and he sent Heinzig's company, MyHoney, a cease-and-desist letter and then obtained a preliminary injunction.
The 4th Civil Senate of the OLG saw the advertising as a "historic event" and acknowledged its satirical nature at the same time. Furthermore, it stated that an informational need was met.
The advertising led to a discussion about the topic overall - also about how advertising is made and journalism in relation to satire, said the presiding judge Markus Schlueter. Moreover, he pointed out that Böhmermann had also used a photo of Heinzig in his show.
In the first instance, the Dresden Regional Court largely sided with the beekeeper in broad terms. A friendly settlement failed in June. Böhmermann was also absent from the new decision, as was his lawyer.
Heinzig, as the owner of the MyHoney company, took note of the decision with a smile. Now, he plans to offer the previously "banned honey" in his online shop again. "The ball is now in Mr. Böhmermann's court. I am not a troublemaker, I've never been one. I would suggest burying the hatchet," Heinzig said. At the same time, he invited Böhmermann to visit his beekeeping farm again.
There is no longer an appeal possibility against the OLG's decision in the expedited procedure. Böhmermann could now file a main proceedings case at the Dresden Regional Court and, if necessary, call upon the Higher Regional Court and the Federal Constitutional Court in the further course of the proceedings.
- Rico Heinzig, the beekeeper, hails from Saxony, Germany.
- The Higher Regional Court of Dresden, often referred to as OLG in Germany, is the court where Jan Böhmermann's appeal in the 'Honey Dispute' case was recently heard.
- The 'Honey Dispute' case involves a lawsuit between Jan Böhmermann and Rico Heinzig, with Handel's court, the Dresden Court of Appeals, playing a significant role.
- The media in Germany, including ZDF and other outlets, have closely followed the 'Honey Dispute' between Jan Böhmermann and Rico Heinzig.
- Rico Heinzig's My Honey GmbH was heavily involved in the 'Honey Dispute' case, which sparked controversy and debate in the realm of advertising and satire.
- Born and raised in Dresden, Jan Böhmermann is a renowned satirist and television personality, best known for his shows on ZDF.
- In response to the court's decision in the 'Honey Dispute' case, Rico Heinzig expressed his satisfaction and plans to resume selling his honey on his online shop.
