Cathy Hummels admires Collien Fernandes and opens up“I had a similar experience in my private life”

Cathy Hummels expresses her solidarity with Collien Fernandes

Already on Thursday (March 19th), presenter Cathy Hummels (38) expressed her support to Collien Fernandes in moving words. Now she follows up on RTL and explains: “I express my heartfelt solidarity with Collien Fernandes. What she experienced is shocking and unfortunately not an isolated case. Sexual violence must finally be taken seriously – socially, legally and also in the digital space.” And further: “As an outsider, you can hardly understand what it means when the trust in your own relationship is so deeply shaken. Collien deserves all the more respect for how openly and courageously she deals with it.”

Review: On Thursday (March 19th) “Spiegel” reported on allegations from Collien Fernandes. As the report states, profiles are said to have been created in their name on platforms such as LinkedIn. Accordingly, someone is said to have pretended to be the 44-year-old. In addition, pornographic material is said to have been sent, with videos and images apparently deliberately intended to give the impression that the women shown were Fernandes. In November 2024, she filed a criminal complaint against unknown people because of fake profiles. The 44-year-old now believes that Christian Ulmen could be responsible, the “Spiegel” continues.

Reading tip: “THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU” – Collien Fernandes reports “overwhelming support”

Fernandes filed a complaint against Elmen in Spain at the end of last year. The complaint filed shows that she has been a victim of “identity theft via social networks” for around ten years. Collien Fernandes is quoted in “Spiegel” as saying: “You virtually raped me.”

Video tip: Shocking allegations from Collien Fernandes against ex-husband Christian Ulmen

Cathy Hummels talks about a similar experience and praises Collien Fernandes

While Hummels expresses her solidarity with Fernandes, she also draws attention to her own experience – which shows that the “Collien Fernandes” case is unfortunately not an isolated case. Hummels explains: “I myself had a similar experience in my private life. For me it was about stalking, the passing on of private content and chat histories, as well as targeted misrepresentations and blackmail. I also reported the case back then, but I didn't fight for myself as consistently as she does now. Out of fear. Out of overwhelm. And because the emotional burden was simply enormous. That's precisely why I admire her strength.” The Munich resident demands all the more that “fake profiles, anonymous hate speech and the misuse of private content must be pursued and sanctioned more consistently.” The responsibility “always lies with the perpetrators.”

New technologies such as AI are of course “no excuse”. From her point of view, “clearer legal framework conditions” are needed.

Lawyer reacts to “Spiegel” reporting

After the Spiegel report, Christian Ulmen's lawyer spoke out. Prof. Dr. Christian Schertz represents the actor's press law interests. He said: “After a summary review, the reporting is unlawful for several reasons. We are therefore also instructed to take legal action against Spiegel. On the one hand, it is largely inadmissible suspicious reporting. On the other hand, untrue facts are being spread based on a one-sided description. We therefore ask that you respect Mr. Ulmen's personal rights and refrain from accepting one-sided allegations.” Lawyer Prof. Dr. Schertz initially goes unanswered.

Sources used: own RTL research; Collien Fernandes' Instagram account