Because of the deceased Hannelore: Richard Lugner is annoyed with pop star Heino. Heino has to appear at the high society event without the company of his recently deceased wife.
The 91-year-old's state ball escort makes headlines every year, as the real estate mogul now likes to hire Hollywood stars as escorts. In 2023, for example,Richard Lugner was accompanied to the State Opera by US actress Jane Fonda. Comedian Oliver Pocher is also invited to the annual Vienna Opera Ball.