Til Schweiger is probably the most influential contemporary German filmmaker. Schweiger films like Little Ears and Honey in the Head attracted millions of viewers. The star usually directs his projects, co-writes the screenplay and plays the leading role. This is also the case with his latest film: Manta, Manta – Zwoter Teil is currently showing in cinemas and is one of the most successful films of the year. A month after launch, Der Spiegel published an article that “alleged harassment and violence” among other things revealed during the shooting of Manta Manta 2. We explain the allegations against the director and Nora Tschirner’s reaction on it.
Where do the allegations against Til Schweiger come from?
The mirror spoke according to its own statement more than 50 filmmakers, some of which are said to come from Schweiger’s closest circle. However, the sources wish to remain anonymous. The alleged reason: Schweiger could influence their careers and also end them.
What exactly is Til Schweiger accused of?
On the Manta Manta 2 set while filming in Summer 2022 I got a climate of fear ruled. Schweiger was called the “Imperator” by the crew, it is said. “Til Schweiger had a free ticket, no matter what he did”, a person involved is quoted in the article. These are the allegations in detail:
Drunkenness on set: Schweiger is said to have repeatedly appeared drunk on the film set and filmed under the influence of alcohol.
Outbursts of violence and anger: Schweiger is said to have hit a production member in the face. According to the descriptions of the witnesses, the man wanted to prevent Schweiger from starting his work as a director and actor while drunk. Crew members should have held Schweiger during the argument.
Tyranny: Schweiger would have screamed on the set, scolded and regularly put down employees. “Answers are not allowed at Til”, an employee is quoted as saying. Schweiger ended a dispute with the same woman by saying that he decides when she breathes.
Manta, Manta: Second Part – Teaser Trailer 4 (German) HD
Negligent handling of a nude scene: Among extras, Schweiger looked for a volunteer who should have her décolleté signed for a spontaneous Manta Manta 2 scene. Possibly under the impression that she could wear a bra during the shoot, one woman accepted. However, it was a nude scene and was reportedly filmed in front of more than a hundred people – unusual under modern protection measures. Normally only the most necessary part of the crew is present during nude scenes to protect performers. According to the mirror, the woman is still suffering from the incident. The scene didn’t make it into the final film due to age restrictions.
Negligent crew overload: Schweiger had stretched working hours “far beyond the usual level” to include crew members “physically and mentally exhausted” had been. Occupational health and safety regulations such as statutory rest periods have not been observed on several occasions. A crew member speaks of one “load problem”. Due to the workload, careless mistakes had occurred, which in turn would have favored accidents on the set.
What does Til Schweiger say about the allegations?
Til Schweiger himself has not yet commented on the allegations. His lawyer disputes the content of the Spiegel article. Constantin Film, which produced Manta Manta 2, is also behind Schweiger. The allegations are “predominantly incomplete and distorting, sometimes also simply wrong”.
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Nora Tschirner’s reaction: How does the rest of the industry comment?
The most concise reaction to the allegations against Til Schweiger comes from Nora Tschirner. Tschirner played the leading role of Anna in the great Schweiger hits Keinohrhasen and Zweiohrküken. Tschirner’s words carry weight in the industry. A few hours after the Spiegel article appeared, she posted a video on Instagram in which she said, among other things: “I think a lot is true in this article”. she has “don’t feel like it anymore”that the conditions described are denied by those responsible. The fact that these conditions prevail has been an open secret in the industry for decades.
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In the comments under the post, actress Jessica Schwarz showed solidarity with Tschirner. The presenter Ruth Moschner and comedian Carolin Kebekus also supported Tschirner’s statements. However, it is not clear from the comments whether they themselves heard about incidents on Schweiger sets or experienced them.
According to WDR , the Verdi union confirms that numerous reports were received after the shooting of Manta Manta 2 about long working hours and the shortfall in rest times. There were also statements according to which Schweiger “acted violently against people in the production department”.
Have there ever been allegations against Til Schweiger?
In recent years, Til Schweiger has repeatedly made controversial statements. He was also involved in numerous conflicts with colleagues from the industry.
Overall, the Spiegel article seems to confirm rumors about Schweiger’s working methods that have been discussed behind closed doors in the German film industry for years. It remains to be seen what the new revelations mean for future Schweiger projects.