El Hotzo Reflects on Acquittal and the Nature of Satire

In a recent interview, the Berlin-based satirist known as El Hotzo expressed relief following his acquittal by the Berlin-Tiergarten District Court. Hotzo, whose real name is Sebastian Hotz, had faced legal accusations related to comments made on social media following an assassination attempt on former US President Donald Trump. The court's decision has been described by Hotz as a significant relief, allowing him to move past the troubling episode.

Hotz was initially charged with endorsing criminal acts due to his comments on the platform X, where he remarked that he found it 'absolutely fantastic when fascists die.' This statement, among others, led to legal scrutiny and the prosecution's demand for a fine of EUR6,000. However, the court ultimately ruled in his favor, acknowledging the context of his statements as satirical.

During the interview, Hotz discussed the anxiety he felt leading up to the trial, emphasizing that while he was reassured that the worst-case scenario would be a financial penalty, he was still apprehensive about facing any legal consequences. He recounted receiving numerous alerts from friends urging him to delete his controversial statements, highlighting the tension surrounding public discourse in the current political climate.

In defense of his work, Hotz maintained that his statements were made in the spirit of satire and should not be taken as genuine calls for violence. He expressed gratitude that poor humor does not constitute a crime in Germany, showcasing his belief in the importance of artistic freedom in comedy.

Hotz reflected on the implications of the trial for his public persona, admitting that he has reconsidered his approach to humor in light of the potential legal repercussions. He revealed that he had even deleted a planned joke about the late skydiver Felix Baumgartner, opting to avoid further stress and controversy.

The satirist also took the opportunity to address broader issues related to the perception of satire, especially in a politically charged environment. He acknowledged that individuals outside the realm of recognized satire might face more severe repercussions for similar statements, suggesting that context and intent play crucial roles in how such comments are interpreted.

Prior to this incident, Hotz had taken a hiatus from public life to address personal issues and reflected on his journey toward self-improvement. He stressed the importance of living in accordance with one's beliefs and values, underscoring the challenges faced by public figures in navigating personal and professional responsibilities.