BERLIN – The editor-in-chief of German newspaper Bild is stepping down temporarily while he is investigated over several complaints made by women, said publisher Axel Springer yesterday.
Julian Reichelt “asked the board of directors to be temporarily relieved of his duties until the allegations have been clarified”, said the group in a statement.
The complaints prompted the company to launch an internal probe led by lawyers.
Reichelt is suspected of having promoted interns with whom he had affairs and then sidelining or firing them, reported the Spiegel newspaper.
Staff came forward months ago, but Spiegel said management was slow to look into the claims.
However, the publisher defended itself in its statement: “As a matter of principle, Axel Springer always has to distinguish between rumours, indications and clear evidence.”
It said the company will take action when there is clear evidence, adding: “Currently, there is no such clear evidence. Prejudgments based on rumours are unacceptable for the Axel Springer corporate culture.”
Reichelt denied the claims, said the group, adding that the probe is ongoing. – AFP, March 14, 2021
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