German TV station ZDF hit by critics over withdrawal of anti-fascist song

German public broadcaster ZDF has come under fire for removing a protest song from its programming, sparking a heated debate over freedom of speech. The controversy centers around the decision to exclude the new single “Keine Angst” (No Fear) by rapper Danger Dan and classical pianist Igor Levit from a political satire show titled Die Anstalt. The song, which calls for resistance against far-right extremism, was deemed potentially incendiary by ZDF’s leadership, who argued it could be interpreted as encouraging violence. The incident unfolded on July 22, 2026, when ZDF announced its decision to remove the track from its schedule. The song had been scheduled to be performed live during the episode, with a recording planned for broadcast. However, after being informed of the cancellation, Danger Dan and Igor Levit uploaded the performance to YouTube, where it quickly became one of the most viewed music videos in Germany. The video features a minimalist aesthetic, evoking the style of German expressionist films from the 1930s. Danger Dan plays the piano while delivering instructions on how to resist the rise of far-right movements in Germany. The lyrics of “Keine Angst” include both nonviolent advice, such as asking bars and pubs for space to host anti-fascist gatherings, and more direct calls to action, such as exposing far-right propaganda by defacing posters and flyers. The final verse ends with a cryptic message: “It is clear what must be done / I will say nothing more / My greeting goes to Lina, Guccia, Maja and Nanuka.” This concluding stanza references left-wing activists who have already been convicted or are facing charges related to violent attacks on far-right figures. ZDF’s general director, Norbert Himmler, defended the decision in an interview with Süddeutsche Zeitung, calling the song “a manual for violent leftist resistance.” He argued that the content violated the network’s guidelines, which prohibit material that could be interpreted as promoting violence. However, several members of the board disagreed with the decision, with eight of them expressing their opposition in an open letter addressed to Himmler. Comedian hosts of Die Anstalt, including Max Uthoff, Claus von Wagner, and Maike Kühl, publicly described the move as “cowardly,” dedicating several minutes of the show to discussing the controversy and urging ZDF to allow the artists to perform. Danger Dan and Igor Levit responded on Instagram, stating that they had submitted the lyrics to the network’s legal team weeks earlier and were assured that the content was approved. ZDF’s management has yet to confirm this claim. Meanwhile, public opinion polls indicate growing support for the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, which is currently projected to win the September regional elections in Saxony-Anhalt. On the other side of the political spectrum, leading voices call for the party’s ban, citing it as a threat to German democracy. At a recent concert in Berlin, Danger Dan and Igor Levit did not address their experience with ZDF directly, but used the opportunity to highlight the rising influence of far-right groups in Germany. They emphasized the need for vigilance and collective action against extremist ideologies, drawing attention to the broader societal tensions that have fueled the current political climate. As the situation continues to evolve, the debate over artistic freedom versus public safety shows no signs of abating.