Danger Dan and Igor Levit accuse ZDF of interfering with artistic freedom

Musicians Danger Dan and Igor Levit have publicly accused German public broadcaster ZDF of infringing upon artistic freedom and freedom of expression. The artists claim that ZDF's management vetoed their planned performance of an anti-fascist song on the cabaret show 'Die Anstalt' shortly before the recording.

In an Instagram post, the musicians stated they received no official written explanation for the cancellation. They described the incident as "scandalous" and expressed shock that a ZDF management board would "authoritatively interfere" in broadcasts, ban anti-fascist songs, and refuse to provide a reason. They view this as an authoritarian act, particularly concerning given the upcoming state elections and the current political situation.

Danger Dan and Levit had prepared a song titled "Keine Angst" (No Fear) for the anniversary episode of 'Die Anstalt'. They reported that the song had been submitted weeks in advance, and ZDF's internal legal counsel had reportedly given it the green light. The show's producers also protested the veto and had reportedly rewritten parts of the broadcast to accommodate the song.

The artists noted that this is not the first time they have encountered issues with ZDF. They recalled previous conflicts regarding appearances, including a performance on Jan Böhmermann's show 'ZDF Magazin Royale' and an appearance at the OPUS KLASSIK awards ceremony where an AfD-critical performance was reportedly censored.

'Die Anstalt' producers indicated they would address the issue in the upcoming Tuesday episode. ZDF has not yet issued a statement in response to inquiries.

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This interference in freedom of expression and artistic freedom is scandalous. That we have now reached the point where a ZDF management board authoritatively interferes in broadcasts, bans anti-fascist songs, and refuses to provide a justification, shakes us, and that is not called democracy, that is an authoritarian act.