Humboldt Forum in Berlin: Employees report harassment, intimidation, and toilet bans

Enlarge image

The Berlin Palace, home of the Humboldt Forum, with the palace bridge and television tower

Photo: Fotoatelier Berlin / imagebroker / imago images

Long before its inauguration, the Humboldt Forum in the new City Palace fell into disrepute, primarily because of the plan to exhibit looted colonial art. Shortly before the opening to the public, there was another scandal. For example, after joint research in May 2021, SPIEGEL and the ZDF political magazine »Frontal 21« revealed that many employees of the visitor service felt harassed. They even reported the ban on using the toilet during working hours.

Those responsible denied a number of allegations and, despite filmic evidence, only partially and vaguely admitted that executives had violated rules to protect against corona. A black list that was available to both editorial offices could not be denied. According to her, employees were considered problematic when they allegedly wanted a works council, were "socially minded" or objected to racism. It was also noted whether someone received psychotherapy.

Noticeably many were given notice or they resigned of their own accord.

Indeed, even the then government, which was jointly responsible for the forum, criticized the situation, but it had little consequence.

The managing director of the responsible subsidiary was released - but her second position at the superordinate Humboldt Forum Foundation remained unaffected.

There were also other layoffs, as well as new allegations by employees, including that of physical intimidation by executives.

The Humboldt Forum confirmed "an incident" but blamed the person employed.

What a hypocritical forum.