Danger Dan was originally supposed to present the song with star pianist Igor Levit in the 100th edition of the satirical show.Image: www.imago-images.de
ZDF removes a performance by rapper Danger Dan from its program. Three presenters comment on the program “Die Anstalt”.
July 19, 2026, 02:40July 19, 2026, 02:40
The makers of the satirical show “Die Anstalt” have once again clearly criticized the ZDF decision to disinvite rapper Danger Dan and explained their position in front of the camera. In their anniversary broadcast, which the station streamed in advance on Saturday evening, the three presenters commented in detail on the dispute – sometimes to great applause from the studio audience. The 100th edition of the program was celebrated.
“We understand that there can be divided opinions about the song, but we simply find ZDF’s decision to be discouraged at a time when right-wing extremist violence has once again reached an all-time high in the history of the Federal Republic,” said moderator Claus von Wagner.
The team took turns reading passages from the song “Keine Angst” and commenting on them. Among them was a section about researching and publishing the names of right-wing extremists. That could be punishable, said moderator Max Uthoff.
Lots of discussion about last lines of text
The team discussed a lot about the last lines of the song, in which four first names are mentioned, which are identical to the first names of well-known left-wing extremists, some of whom have already been legally convicted. Violence is condemned. But the question is what happens if the state does not enforce its monopoly on violence and people are unprotected from Nazis, said Uthoff.
The debate was important and the team would have very much wanted Danger Dan to have been allowed to appear so that they could have discussed with him afterwards, said moderator Maike Kühl.
Black grand piano and microphone stand alone
Previously, a black grand piano was shown after a sketch. There were spotlights on it, but no one was sitting at the instrument. There was a lone microphone in front of it. Danger Dan was originally supposed to present the song with star pianist Igor Levit in the 100th edition of the satirical show.
ZDF also discussed the canceled appearance in an “Aspekte” program on Saturday evening. Numerous experts were interviewed about the topic, which was examined from different sides. Lawyers, journalists, cabaret artists and publicists had their say with various assessments.
“Guide to political extremism”
The broadcaster had explained that the lyrics of the song could be understood as a guide to political extremism, which promotes vigilante justice and does not rule out illegal acts and violence.
The head of the ZDF show’s main editorial team, Oliver Heidemann, emphasized that the decision had not been made lightly. Heidemann regretted that it took so long. He understands this point.