Berlin Volksbühne cancels Black-only swim event after far-right threats and backlash
The Berlin Volksbühne and association Each One Teach One canceled a planned exclusive swimming event for Black children and families at the temporary 'Volksbad' pool after receiving threats of violence and racist backlash. Far-right politicians, including AfD leader Alice Weidel, labeled the event "apartheid," while CDU and FDP figures criticized race-based access. The theater hung a "Fuck you!" banner in protest. The cancellation sparked political debate over anti-discrimination measures and identity politics in Berlin.
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Wave of Solidarity After Racist Threats Cancel Black Children's Swim Event in Berlin
A planned swimming afternoon for Black children and young people at Berlin's temporary Volksbad pool was canceled due to racist threats and discriminatory comments directed at the association 'Each One Teach One' (Eoto). The event, intended as a protected space for the Black community, was to be held exclusively for Black participants. Following the cancellation, the association launched a donation appeal on Go Fund Me, raising approximately 85,000 euros within a few days. The funds will support Eoto's educational, youth, and empowerment work. The Volksbad, a project of the Volksbühne theater, is a free public pool protesting Berlin's decaying infrastructure.
Claudia Roth Accuses Berlin CDU of Fueling Right-Wing Culture War Over Canceled Black Children's Swim Event
Former German Minister of State for Culture Claudia Roth (Greens) sharply criticized the Berlin CDU and Governing Mayor Kai Wegner for their silence following the cancellation of a swimming event exclusively for Black children and youth in front of the Volksbühne theater. The event, organized by the theater and the association 'Each One Teach One' (Eoto), was canceled due to security concerns after receiving racist threats and hate speech. AfD leader Alice Weidel had labeled the event 'apartheid,' and a CDU local politician expressed incomprehension. Roth accused the CDU of adopting a right-wing culture war instead of opposing it, calling them 'stirrup holders for the forces that divide our society.' She demanded Wegner stand up for Eoto and the theater team. The Left and Greens in Berlin also condemned the cancellation as a result of spreading hatred and incitement.
Berlin Volksbühne's 'Volksbad' Pool: Black Youth Event Canceled After Far-Right Backlash
The 'Volksbad,' a temporary outdoor pool installed by the Berlin Volksbühne theater at Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz, has become a flashpoint for controversy. Opened on August 7, 2026, under new artistic director Matthias Lilienthal, the pool was intended as a free public amenity during theater renovations. However, a planned holiday program for Black children and teenagers organized with the anti-racism association Each One Teach One (Eoto) was canceled due to security threats. Right-wing media and the AfD launched a campaign against the event, with CDU MP Aileen Weibeler falsely claiming discrimination against white people. The theater cited inability to guarantee safe arrival and departure for participants. The pool itself, costing 300,000 euros, also faced temporary closure due to non-functional showers, highlighting operational challenges. The incident has sparked broader debates about racism, public funding, and cultural programming in Berlin.
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Berlin Volksbühne Cancels Black-Only Swim Event, Hangs 'Fuck You!' Banner Amid Political Outcry
On August 14, 2026, the Berlin Volksbühne canceled an exclusive swimming day for black people at its temporary 'Volksbad' pool due to security concerns, citing inability to guarantee safe arrival and departure. In response, the theater closed the pool for the day in solidarity and hung a large 'Fuck you!' banner. Director Matthias Lilienthal defended the event as an implementation of the state anti-discrimination law, calling the criticism a 'silly affair.' The association Each One Teach One (Eoto), which organized the event, also cited security risks. Left and Green politicians expressed outrage, calling the cancellation 'unbearable' and a sign of spreading hatred. In contrast, CDU and FDP candidates criticized the race-based access, arguing the pool should be open to all. The event has sparked a political debate over anti-discrimination measures and identity politics in Berlin.
Berlin 'Volksbad' Event for Black Community Canceled After Right-Wing Threats
An event for Black children, youth, and families at the 'Volksbad' temporary swimming pool in front of Berlin's Volksbühne theater was canceled due to security concerns after right-wing politicians and media, including Bild and AfD leader Alice Weidel, agitated against it. The association Each One Teach One (EOTO) and the theater cited racist threat emails and discriminatory social media comments. Berlin Green Party top candidate Werner Graf called the cancellation a 'scandal' and 'shameful for the entire city,' criticizing the CDU for joining the right-wing culture war. SPD top candidate Steffen Krach emphasized that Berlin must protect People of Color from racism. Tahir Della of the Initiative Black People in Germany expressed surprise at the intensity of the backlash, including from CDU politicians, and called for stronger societal and media support.
Berlin 'Volksbad' Event for Black Youth Canceled After Threats of Violence
A planned event at the Berlin Volksbühne, where an outdoor pool was to be exclusively available to Black children and teenagers for a few hours, was canceled due to security concerns. The event, organized with the association 'Each One Teach One' (Eoto), faced right-wing and racist agitation, including threats of violence and discriminatory comments on social media. AfD leader Alice Weidel labeled the exclusive access as 'apartheid,' and a local CDU politician expressed feeling discriminated against as a white person. The Volksbühne and Eoto stated they could no longer guarantee safe arrival and departure for visitors. Despite the cancellation, Volksbühne director Matthias Lilienthal affirmed the theater's commitment to positive measures for structurally disadvantaged people and continued cooperation with Eoto. The pool had been closed since Tuesday due to shower problems, with reopening uncertain.
Berlin 'Volksbad' Event for Black Children Canceled After Threats of Violence
The Berlin Volksbühne and the association 'Each One Teach One' (Eoto) canceled a planned event on August 13, 2026, that would have reserved an outdoor pool exclusively for Black children and teenagers for a few hours. The cancellation was due to security concerns after threats of violence and racist agitation, including criticism from AfD leader Alice Weidel who labeled the event 'apartheid.' The Volksbühne received threatening emails and discriminatory comments on social media. Despite the cancellation, Volksbühne director Matthias Lilienthal stated the theater will continue offering positive measures for structurally disadvantaged people and maintain cooperation with Eoto. The pool, called 'Volksbad,' had been open since August 7 and was temporarily closed due to shower problems, with uncertain reopening plans.
Berlin Volksbühne Cancels Exclusive Swimming Event for Black Community After Criticism
The Berlin Volksbühne, in partnership with the association Each One Teach One (EOTO), canceled a planned event at its temporary 'Volksbad' swimming pool that was advertised as exclusive to the 'black community.' The decision followed widespread criticism from politics and society, as well as polemical media coverage. In a statement, EOTO cited concerns that the resulting climate could no longer guarantee a positive experience or the physical and psychological safety of the participating children and young people. The 'Volksbad,' a temporary pool set up in front of the Volksbühne at Rosa-Luxemburg-Platz since August 7, was otherwise advertised as free and open to all without ID requirements. The controversy also included criticism of the project's cost of 300,000 euros.