ZDF Director Defends Canceling Rapper Danger Dan's 'Die Anstalt' Appearance

German public broadcaster ZDF has defended its decision to cancel a planned performance by rapper Danger Dan on its satire show 'Die Anstalt.' The last-minute cancellation, which drew widespread criticism, has led to an admission of procedural errors by ZDF director Norbert Himmler.

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We must hold ourselves accountable for the short notice of the cancellation. We should have asked the fundamental question earlier, ideally before the actual invitation.

Himmler told the Süddeutsche Zeitung that ZDF should have addressed the fundamental questions earlier, ideally before the invitation was even extended. However, he stands by the decision itself. Himmler stated that Danger Dan's song "Keine Angst" (No Fear) is "undoubtedly an instruction manual for left-wing, violent resistance," which culminates in "friendly greetings" to left-wing extremists, some of whom have been convicted of violent crimes.

The rapper was scheduled to perform his new song with pianist Igor Levit for the 100th episode of 'Die Anstalt,' a show focusing on radicalization and the resilience of democracy. Following the cancellation, Danger Dan called it an infringement on freedom of speech and art. He told Der Spiegel that his song does not incite criminal activity but rather explores how effective anti-fascist structures can be built, asserting that he abhors violence but acknowledges it is already a political reality.

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In my view, this is undoubtedly an instruction manual for left-wing, violent resistance, which culminates in 'friendly greetings' to left-wing extremists, some of whom have been convicted of violent crimes.

In response, Danger Dan and Levit are organizing a substitute concert titled "Die keine Angstalt" (The No Fear Show) to be streamed on YouTube. Proceeds will benefit Opferperspektive, an organization supporting victims of right-wing, racist, and anti-Semitic violence. The original 'Die Anstalt' episode will still air, with its hosts having criticized the ZDF's decision as cowardly. The controversy was also addressed on ZDF's cultural program 'Aspekte.'

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I am not calling on anyone to go into the criminal underworld. It's about how effective anti-fascist structures can be built. I abhor violence. But the problem is: it has long been political reality.