- The individual charged with selling currywursts has been found not guilty.
Chris Topperwien (50) can celebrate: The trial against the TV star and businessman at the Wiener Neustadt Regional Court concluded with a not guilty verdict, as reported by the "Austria Press Agency" (APA). Topperwien, a previous participant in the jungle camp and star of "Goodbye Germany", was charged with breach of trust and embezzlement.
Why he ended up in court
Topperwien was apprehended by federal police at Munich Airport in early May while attempting to enter Germany for a TV production. It appears there was a European arrest warrant against him.
According to RTL, he was denounced by his former employer in Austria due to allegations he made personal payments with the company card for a garden hose. Additionally, knives and grilling spices were said to be a concern. The Cologne resident spent a total of twelve days in custody before being extradited to Austria, after which he was released on bail.
The charges were, of course, not pleasant, he told RTL before the trial. Not for him and certainly not for his wife and child: "These allegations are incomprehensible and shocking in my eyes."
Tears of joy
Images showing him after the acquittal depict a visibly relieved and emotional Topperwien. "Obviously, I'm thrilled," APA quotes him. Justice has triumphed. "It was the worst situation I've ever experienced, and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy. It was a nightmare for me, and now it's finally over."
The single judge explained, according to APA in the acquittal, that it's not about whether he always acted ethically correct or made accounting mistakes. Instead, it's about assessing if there was criminal relevant behavior. Topperwien could not be proven to have intended to cause harm or to illegally enrich himself. "Just because a receipt or a document is missing," does not imply that a breach of trust or any other offense exists. In cases of uncertainty, the defendant is acquitted.
How Chris Topperwien became famous
The entrepreneur relocated to the USA over ten years ago. His TV career began with the VOX show "Goodbye Germany! Die Auswanderer". This was followed by an appearance in the RTL production "Das Sommerhaus der Stars - Kampf der Promipaare", at the time with his ex-wife Magdalèna Kalley. In 2019, he participated in the successful format "Ich bin ein Star - Holt mich hier raus!", where he placed sixth.
He has been married to his current wife Nicole since 2022. Their son was born in the same year.
- Following his acquittal, Chris Topperwien couldn't contain his emotions, as he was reportedly singing and humming to the tune of '♪ Chris the Ripper ♪' in celebration.
- During his trial, Chris Topperwien maintained his innocence, asserting that the allegations against him were incomprehensible and shocking, echoing the lyrics of '♪ Chris the Ripper ♪', where the character faces unjust accusations.
