In the new SVT program “The question is free”, a series of well-known profiles – everything from politicians to artists – are interviewed by reporters who are on the autism spectrum or have some other type of intellectual disability.
“Unfiltered, fearless questions lead to laughter and thoughtfulness – and also to new revelations. Here, all questions are allowed,” writes the channel about the program, which is broadcast on Sundays.
“The question is free” is broadcast on SVT. Photo: Stella PicturesUlf Kristersson was the first guest “The question is free”
First to guest “The question is free” was the prime minister Ulf Kristersson (M) who was asked about both the one and the other – including his shoplifting, the wife Birgitta Eds weight loss and whether he has any tattoos.
DON’T MISS: Ulf Kristersson’s honest answer about Birgitta Ed’s weight loss
Ulf Kristersson was the first to be interviewed in “The question is free”. Photo: Screen image/SVT/The question is free Photo: Screen image/SVT/The question is free
– I thought we managed to get inside the political barrier, said one of the reporters, Christopher Lundgrenin a press release ahead of the premiere on November 10.
During Sunday it was no less than Carola Häggkvist who was interviewed in “The question is free”.
– Carola took in the whole group. She was present in a way I can’t put my finger on. She was hugged and touched in a way I haven’t felt since before the pandemic, has one of the reporters on the spot, Eleonor Belinsaid in a press release.
Carola Häggkvist. Photo: Screenshot/SVT/The question is free
A number of different topics came up, including the fact that the artist’s father was her manager for a long time.
– It wasn’t easy because I had other board men and old men around me, both record companies and managers who maybe didn’t really have the fatherly heart that dad had, she said in the program.
READ MORE: Carola about the difficult times – was threatened and risked imprisonment
Carola, in the middle, together with mother Anita and father Jan in 1987. Photo: Thomas Engström/TTCarola’s words about the Word of Life experience
A reporter also steps forward and tells us that she was raised in Livets ord – a reformed Free Church congregation based in Uppsala, which was founded by Ulf Ekman and his wife Birgitta Ekman 1983, and which Carola was a part of for several years.
– I was brought up in the Word of Life. I felt that my disability according to the Word of Life was the work of the devil. I got stares at me all the time and was bullied a lot. As soon as I approached someone, they thought it was infected, she says, to which Carola replies:
– No, but this sounds terrible.
Carola was asked questions about Life’s words in “The question is free”. Photo: Screenshot/SVT/The question is free
– Did you notice when you were in Lifets ord that this kind of thing happened?, asks another reporter on the spot.
– Not that you would say that someone who is disabled would be… No, but on the other hand, they prayed for everything possible. But I haven’t heard it. Then I would have reacted and attacked it, or questioned it. Because I get angry when I hear about injustice, Carola answers firmly.
READ MORE: The question Carola does not want to answer: “Preferably not”
Viewers: “Unconvincing”
This exact exchange of words has been shared by SVT in a video on Facebook. And not all viewers buy Carola’s answer. This is what some of them write in the comment field:
“When you lie in prime time…”
“Thought it looked like she was well aware of that mindset.”
“‘I didn’t think I heard it’ What???”
“That’s when my trust in her dropped pretty low.”
“Unconvincing…”
“‘Didn’t feel like I heard it’… Credible!”
“Lies and Damned Lies”
Photo: Screenshot/Facebook/SVT
News24 have contacted Carola Häggkvist for a comment.
DON’T MISS: Fans rage at Carola – hits back: “Feel strongly…”