World News
Berlin theatre cancels swimming event for Black children following political backlash and threats
Organisers called off the private session at an outdoor pool after facing public criticism from German politicians and receiving hostile messages.
The short version
- Berlin's Volksbühne theatre cancelled a planned private pool session intended for Black children and their families.
- The cancellation followed public criticism from conservative and far-right German politicians, as well as racist threats received by organisers.
- Advocates noted the incident highlights broader, ongoing debates surrounding racial disparities in swimming access and water safety.
Key facts
- The Volksbühne theatre in Berlin organised an exclusive afternoon swimming session for Black children and their families at an outdoor pool.[The Guardian]
- Organisers stated the event was intended to lower barriers that keep minority children from accessing swimming facilities.[The Guardian]
- The event was cancelled after organisers received racist emails and threats following public criticism.[The Guardian]
- Christian Democrat politician Aileen Weibeler questioned the need for such safe spaces in Berlin, while Alternative für Deutschland co-leader Alice Weidel publicly criticised the restriction of access for white people.[The Guardian]
What remains uncertain
- The specific sources or identities behind the threatening and racist messages sent to the organisers were not detailed in the reporting.[The Guardian]