Offram fails to pay fines promptly.
Gil Ofarim admits to slandering a hotel worker in a trial. Consequently, he steps away from the spotlight to focus on music. However, the saga is not over yet, as he must still pay a fine. Unfortunately for him, he misses the initial deadline.
The famous singer Gil Ofarim failed to pay the fine within the allotted time frame after his trial for falsely accusing a Leipzig hotelier of anti-Semitism. The spokesperson for Leipzig District Court confirmed this on request. With the permission of the public prosecutor's office, the deadline has been pushed back to August 28. They noted that Ofarim appeared unable to fulfill the €10,000 payment within the initial six-month window.
In October 2021, Ofarim shared a video accusing a Leipzig hotel of anti-Semitism. He claimed that the hotel manager demanded him to remove his Star of David necklace as part of the check-in procedure. The video quickly gained traction on social media. The singer subsequently filed a complaint, but the manager also defended himself and accused Ofarim of defamation.
Ofarim eventually confessed during the trial and apologized. The proceedings for defamation and making false claims were terminated at Leipzig District Court at the end of November. Nevertheless, the 41-year-old must pay a €10,000 fine - half to the Jewish community in Leipzig and the other half to the Wannsee Conference House Memorial and Education Center in Berlin.
Potential new trial looms
The court spokesperson clarified that the deadline could only be extended once. Before granting the extension, they confirmed that he needed more time to make the payment. However, if he fails to do so by August 28, the entire case against Ofarim would need to be reopened. His lawyer declined to comment on the issue.
Following the trial, Ofarim withdrew from public view. In April, he announced a new beginning. He expressed his desire to return to music and work on a new album. Additionally, he mentioned plans to sell his guitars, along with those owned by his father, the renowned artist Abi Ofarim.
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Despite the extended deadline, Gil Ofarim's ongoing struggle with the €10,000 fine raises concerns about his financial stability. This situation has resulted in a significant impact on his entertainment career, as many in the industry are beginning to question his judgments and reliability.
The controversy surrounding Gil Ofarim's accusations of anti-Semitism in Leipzig has also reached the world of music. Several upcoming concerts and music festivals have expressed reservations about inviting the artist, citing the need to uphold values of inclusivity and tolerance within the entertainment industry.
Given the recent developments, the city of Leipzig has been actively engaging in dialogue with the local Jewish community and music industry to promote awareness and education against anti-Semitism, striving to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all.
Source: www.ntv.de
