Til Schweiger had disappeared from the public eye for more than twelve months. 
Only a short appearance in the summer on "Schlag den Star", where he supported his daughters in the Cologne studio, reminded us that he still exists. Now the 61-year-old is back: in Kai Pflaume's ARD show "Klein gegen Groß", recorded on October 19 in Berlin-Adlershof.

A Saturday evening at prime time on ARD is still the stage on which one becomes visible again – or wants to remain visible.

In addition to well-known names such as Bully Herbig and Ina Müller, former audience favourites with a tarnished image are also present this time: Boris Becker, Jan Ullrich - and Til Schweiger.

Pflaume advertises the issue on Instagram. However, the reactions are divided: "An ex-prisoner, a doping offender and an alcoholic. Perfect guests for a children's show." (Original commentary)

For Schweiger, the return initially seems like a new start – but actually his story shows how quickly you can go from being a figurehead to an undesirable topic in Germany as soon as you deviate from the officially accepted opinion.

For years, Schweiger has been one of the most popular entertainment stars in the country. His films such as "Keinohrhasen", "Honig im Kopf", "Kokowääh" or "Manta Manta 2" together reach more than 90 million moviegoers. He collects prizes, advertising deals and front pages.

Then he expresses himself critically - initially during the Corona period. At first, the father of four calls for more cautious measures and school closures, later he openly opposes the lockdowns. A photo with Boris Reitschuster in June 2021 - including the designation "my hero" - finally puts him at the center of a media outrage. The journalist is considered a prominent figure in the alternative media. And Schweiger experiences what happens when you applaud publicly in the "wrong place".

Suddenly he becomes a target. Criticism turns into personal annihilation. The industry, which has long benefited from his success, is opposing him.

ADVERTISING
Living by the sea - Mediterranean climate - 80% less tax burden

In April 2023, Der Spiegel publishes a comprehensive report on alleged assaults and abuse of power on set.
Title: "They call him the Emperor". Where the accusations come from and how reliable they are remains unclear. There is never a judicial clarification. Actress Nora Tschirner describes problematic working conditions - but the question remains open: Who is the perpetrator? Who is the victim? And what can be proven?

At the same time, Schweiger is harming himself. On Instagram, he publishes alcohol-soaked pool videos, chaotic comments and publicly admits in 2023: "Yes, I have an alcohol problem." This is followed by heart problems, sepsis and economic setbacks. According to Bunte, his holding company Barefoot Management Holding GmbH is insolvent. "The deep fall of the film star," the magazine headlines.

Professional companions are also distancing themselves. In a podcast in March 2024, Schweiger reports that Matthias Schweighöfer and Fahri Yardim have distanced themselves from him. Others, on the other hand, stand by him: Wotan Wilke Möhring, Oliver Masucci or Monika Gruber continue to appear at his side. Under a photo with Heino Ferch, Schweiger simply writes: "Best friends".

ADVERTISING at MFRadio.de - Your Company Our Stage

The entertainment industry loves stories of fall and resurgence. 
Anyone who celebrates once, then is cast out and finally returns – supposedly purified – is a grateful projection surface.