A beekeeper accused by a comedian of greenwashing had the upper hand in a headline-hitting legal battle.
German TV star Jan Böhmermann opted for footage showing Saxon apiarist Rico Heinzig in a programme about the hypocritical eco campaigns of companies and public institutions.
Heinzig claimed he had been “shocked” by suddenly finding himself in the focus of the limelight.
The boss of the Meißen-based 200-colony honey farm MyHONEY decided to hit back by releasing a ‘Greenwashing Honey’ range and putting the face of the “ZDF Magazin Royale” presenter on advertising posters. On the stand-up displays, Heinzig praised the controversial presenter as “a leading expert on bees and bugs.”
When Böhmermann sued Heinzig, the Saxon entrepreneur told the judge in Dresden that his labelling concept had just been a satirical stunt and therefore legitimate.
Heinzig, who removed the special edition from shelves and his online store a few weeks later, revealed at that time: “Orders are coming in every day. Some people who called me revealed they were fans of that television personality.
“Well, I am not. I don’t approve of his state-funded methods of making others look bad. At first, I wanted to take him to court. Then I realised that turning the tables would hurt this jester the most.“
Böhmermann, who is one of public broadcaster ZDF’s best-paid stars, is known for not shying away from controversies. Over the years, he has clashed with mostly right-wing politicians but also businesspeople. The accounts of Böhmermann and ZDF Magazin Royale have more than 3.2 million followers on social media.
The term greenwashing defines halfhearted corporate social responsibility campaigns by public bodies and private entities initiated to improve their reputation.
Heinzig, who offers hive sponsorships to public institutions and businesses all over Germany, told the Bild newspaper: “I’ve been part of his broadcast without giving me the chance to make a statement. He made fun of me and I was not given any chance to defend myself and what I do.”
During the trial, the apiarist emphasised he wanted a decision instead of some kind of out-of-court settlement. Heinzig argued: “Buying honey and agreeing on a hive sponsorship are matters which are based on trust. All of this could have been wiped out immediately.”
The Regional Court of Dresden rejected Böhmermann’s case. Heinzig’s labelling campaign was clearly satirical and therefore not a breach of any personality rights or commercial regulations. The legal procedures continue as Böhmermann’s advocate objected against the verdict.
