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Kerum verbally abused journalist: 'You are a small, ordinary, petty louse. A hungry nit that has been bribed'

Kerum verbally abused journalist: 'You are a small, ordinary, petty louse. A hungry nit that has been bribed'

From Večernji List · (6m ago) Croatian Critical tone

Translated from Croatian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Željko Kerum verbally attacked journalist Denis Mahmutović after a Telegram report on his new restaurant.
  • Kerum accused Mahmutović of being a bribed journalist and threatened to sue him.
  • Telegram reported that Kerum's restaurant was built illegally, without permits, and against a demolition order.

In Croatia, the intersection of business, politics, and media often sparks heated exchanges, and the recent incident involving Željko Kerum and a Telegram journalist is a prime example.

Večernji List reports on Kerum's aggressive response to an investigative piece detailing alleged illegal construction of his new restaurant. Kerum's tirade against the journalist, Denis Mahmutović, characterized by insults and accusations of bribery, reflects a confrontational style often seen from public figures when their dealings are scrutinized.

This event highlights a recurring theme in Croatian public life: the tension between powerful individuals and the press holding them accountable. While the article details Kerum's outburst, it also implicitly underscores the importance of investigative journalism in uncovering potential wrongdoing, even when faced with such vitriolic pushback. The context of alleged illegal construction and a prior demolition order adds significant weight to the report, making Kerum's reaction particularly noteworthy.

Vaš je problem što ste vi podmićeni novinar. Tužite me za to i ja ću tužiti vas za sve ono što je napisano. Da me takvi bijednici i jadnici kao što si ti, koji se kupuju za bržolu, nisu uništili niti će me uništiti. Vi ste jedna mala, obična, sitna gnjida. Vi ste gladna uš koja je plaćena i koja je podmićena

— Željko KerumKerum's verbal attack on journalist Denis Mahmutović after a report on his restaurant.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Večernji List in Croatian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.