Termination of Trial for Musician Gil Ofarim, of Jewish Background, in Court
Gil Ofarim, a 42-year-old Jewish musician, has seen his case relating to a supposed fake Star of David scandal at a Leipzig hotel thrown out indefinitely. This development was announced by the 6th Criminal Chamber of the Leipzig Regional Court, who confirmed the news through a spokesperson. In accordance with the court's judgement, the state will cover the expenses associated with the trial. The spokesperson revealed, "Mr. Ofarim will bear his own legal fees, in addition to the costs incurred by the co-plaintiff."
Back in October 2021, Ofarim posted a video accusing the hotel of antisemitism, claiming that he was requested to take off his Star of David pendant before checking in. The video gained significant attention on social media platforms. Nevertheless, Ofarim filed a lawsuit, but the hotel manager also counterclaimed for slander. In the subsequent court proceedings, Ofarim conceded and expressed his remorse.
The legal action against Ofarim for slander and falsifying allegations was provisionally suspended by the Leipzig Regional Court around late November 2021. As a prerequisite for this suspension, Ofarim was ordered to pay a fine of 10,000 euros. This fine was to be split equally between the Israelite Religious Community of Leipzig and the House of the Wannsee Conference memorial and education center in Berlin. Following a delay in making the payment, Ofarim eventually complied.**
Gil Ofarim faced financial consequences due to the delay in paying the 10,000 euro fine associated with the provisional suspension of the legal action against him. Despite this, he continues to be active in the music industry, with Gil Ofarim and the Jazz Tribe performing at various events.
