Following the partial legal success of Christian Ulmen (50) against "Spiegel", his former wife Collien Fernandes (44) is now speaking out. In a press release, she references a statement by the actor's lawyers - and once again addresses the serious allegations against him.
"Both the media coverage and the public, heated discussion about digital violence of an intimate nature are logical consequences of the actions Mr. Ulmen undisputedly committed", the host and actress is quoted in a letter from the Hamburg law firm Cronemeyer Haisch. The fact that the coverage following an article in "Spiegel" is being described as "disproportionate" and "bordering on hysteria" shows, according to Fernandes, "that there still appears to be no acknowledgment of wrongdoing".
The Higher Regional Court of Hamburg had prohibited the magazine in a ruling issued on June 22 from creating the impression that he had produced or distributed deepfake videos of Fernandes. However, "Spiegel" may continue to report on other core allegations against Ulmen. Ulmen's side had stated in a letter dated June 23 that "particularly the suspicion raised by 'Spiegel' that our client had produced and/or distributed deepfake videos resulted in disproportionate follow-up coverage in all media bordering on hysteria, as well as an undifferentiated public discussion".
Fernandes feels vindicated by court ruling
The information letter from Cronemeyer Haisch further states that the decision made by the Higher Regional Court of Hamburg vindicates their client Fernandes. The press senate found, in connection with "Spiegel"'s coverage, "that every single allegation our client publicly raised against Mr. Ulmen is permissible, in some cases even undisputed". In its ruling, the Higher Regional Court determined that Ulmen had "undisputedly distributed explicit videos and photos of women who resemble our client under her name". This was done to create the impression that the videos and photos were of Fernandes. According to the statement, the Higher Regional Court of Hamburg also found it undisputed "that Mr. Ulmen sent deepfake photos of Collien Monica Fernandes". The matters at issue have not yet been proven in criminal court.
Ulmen's lawyers had attributed particular significance to the decision in their statement. "Spiegel" itself emphasized that the allegation that Ulmen had "virtually assaulted" his former partner may continue to be made - as well as "the other core allegations of digital and intimate violence". The Higher Regional Court confirmed that the magazine had not explicitly made the allegation that Ulmen had created or distributed deepfake videos. At the same time, however, it was of the opinion that the impression could have been created between the lines.
Decision has no impact on other proceedings
Fernandes' allegations against Ulmen first became public in March in an article in "Spiegel", which carries the online title "You Virtually Assaulted Me". Thousands of people took to the streets after the accusations became known to show solidarity with Fernandes and other victims of digitalized violence and to demand changes in legislation.
The press law ruling is not legally binding for an ongoing criminal proceeding. A spokesperson for the Potsdam Public Prosecutor's Office confirmed at the end of May in response to an inquiry from the "Potsdamer Neuesten Nachrichten" that an investigation had been initiated following a complaint by Fernandes against Ulmen. After reviewing information submitted, initial suspicion was established regarding the allegation of bodily harm in the context of domestic violence. "The investigation conducted in Potsdam is in its initial stage", Schertz Bergmann stated. Christian Ulmen is presumed innocent until the proceedings are legally concluded.
