Against “Anonymous Internet Hatred“
Mountains of Support for Dunja Hayali: Petition Shows Solidarity with ZDF Moderator
BERLIN, September 18, 2025, 3:51 p.m. – A petition garnering over 117,000 signatures is demanding action against online hate speech following a wave of hostility directed at ZDF presenter Dunja Hayali. The online campaign, “End with anonymous internet hatred!” initiated by moderator Ruth Moschner, calls for “consistent and uncomplicated law enforcement of hate comments and threats on the net” and greater accountability from social media platforms.
The surge in abuse followed Hayali’s commentary on the shooting of right-wing activist Charlie Kirk during the ZDF news program “Today-Journal.” Hayali described Kirk as an “extreme and extremely controversial influencer” and a “radical religious conspiracy theorist,” adding, “The fact that there are now groups that celebrate his death can be justified with nothing. Not even with his ofen hideous, racist, sexist and misanthropic statements.”
Hayali later shared examples of the intensely negative reactions she received on social media, stating on Instagram: “What surprises me again and again: condemn violence and then threaten to someone else.That still does not fit together.” She emphasized the distinction between legitimate criticism and outright hostility, noting, “You can logically express your own opinion on her work, but not that,” referring to the threats.
The petition is directed to Federal Minister of Justice Stefanie Hubig (SPD) and Tino Krause,head of Meta Germany,the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. The petition letter declares, “We show full solidarity with Dunja Hayali - and with everyone who opposes hatred. Silence is not an option.” It further asserts, “Hass is not an opinion.” Initial signatories include influencer Louisa Dellert, singer Jennifer Weist, and journalist Marc Raschke.