The Teichtmeister case sparks a debate in the cultural scene
The Viennese actor Florian Teichtmeister hoarded 58,000 photos showing child abuse. In the cultural scene, that doesn’t surprise many.
It’s a criminal case that’s in Austria shock, far beyond the theater and cultural scene. A case that has sparked widespread debate. About digital child abuse, prevention, work with offenders and victim protection. As well as about a system of silence and trivialization in the cultural sector – which made a story like that of Florian Teichtmeister possible in the first place.
The actor is dating, among other things “The Dead of Salzburg” and “crime scene” known. When it became public on Friday that die police guaranteed 58,000 photos of the sexual abuse of minors on data carriers of the theater and film actor, this by no means caused a stir everywhere in the Austrian art scene.
Florian Teichtmeister: His ex-girlfriend found a picture on his cell phone
Quite a few colleagues and directors already knew that Teichtmeister had been under investigation for a year and a half: his former partner found a picture of the abuse of a child on his cell phone and reported it.
Investigations against the actor were previously made against allegations of repeated domestic violence against the said ex-partner – but these were dropped due to lack of evidence. The 44-year-old was also investigated for drug possession. According to the investigation files, Teichtmeister is said to have confessed to possession of the abuse material: According to his own statements, he felt a “kick” about getting more and more material over the years. From February 8th he will have to answer in court in Vienna.
The Burgtheater dismissed Teichtmeister immediately
The allegations were also known to the Burgtheater, where Teichtmeister was part of the ensemble. The house dismissed Teichtmeister on Friday with immediate effect – and is still confronted with heavy criticism. In September 2021, the media reported allegations against an actor who was not yet known by name, admitted Burg director Martin Kusej.
When it became known that it was Teichtmeister, there was a conversation. In this, Teichtmeister “vehemently and credibly denied the allegations,” writes Kusej, and: “There was neither a sufficient legal basis for a leave of absence nor for an early termination of the employment relationship.”
Labor law expert Katharina Körber-Risak does not accept this. A consideration of the obligations of the employer, i.e. the Burgtheater, should have shown that, despite the presumption of innocence, there was a good reason to put Teichtmeister’s engagement on hold, at least until clarification. On the other hand, lawyers such as criminal law expert Katharina Beclin criticize that harsh labor law consequences could prevent other perpetrators from seeking immediate help.
the ORF In any case, films and series in which Teichtmeister can be seen are immediately removed from the programme. Marie Kreutzer’s drama “Corsage” about Empress Elisabeth, in which Teichtmeister plays Emperor Franz Joseph, is still in the running for the 2023 foreign Oscar.
Many stars are now speaking openly about the system
Many Austrian stars now speak openly about the system of silence in the industry when it comes to abuse, bullying or sexual assaults – these are by no means uncommon in the art scene.
“We also report cases that happened to us ten years ago – if in doubt, these colleagues are still working,” wrote the former “Amour” in “Jedermann” at the Salzburg Festival, Verena Altenberger. There shouldn’t be a “business as usual” backstage in Austria’s theaters and film sets.