Statements about disabled sports: After show with Mockridge: Podcast hosts attack critics

After her derogatory comments about Disabled sports Podcast hosts Shayan Garcia and Nizar Akremi have attacked their critics and stood up for their guest Luke Mockridge.

First, Garcia announced the true end of her podcast “Die Deutschen” in a twelve-minute Instagram video with the words “We have hurt too many people, so we have to pull the ripcord.” But then Akremi laughed and said “Never! Nothing is ending here,” before settling scores with the critics who had demanded public consequences for Mockridge and the moderators.

Podcast duo: “We didn’t start a murder”

Regarding Mockridge, Akremi told critics that attempts were being made to systematically destroy people because of a joke that some people didn't like. “This man has lost everything and you still haven't had enough.” Garcia added: “We haven't started a murder” – and announced: “We will take legal action against anyone who has engaged in slander and incitement.”

The trio had made statements and gestures about disabled sports in the podcast “Die Deutschen” and had been sharply criticized publicly for this. “There are people without legs and arms who are thrown into a pool – and whoever drowns last wins,” said Mockridge, causing great laughter among the hosts.

Apologies to people with physical disabilities

The broadcaster Sat.1 then launched the comedian's new show “What's in the Box?” Mockridge himself apologized to the athletes and canceled the opening shows of his planned “Funny Times” tour “due to the current situation,” the organizer announced. An appearance by Akremi in Berlin was also canceled.

At the end of the video, the podcast hosts addressed “people with physical disabilities who are deeply hurt and who feel their human dignity has been violated,” as Garcia said. “We are truly and sincerely sorry. It was never our intention to hurt you.” They expressly did not want to apologize to the critics who “enjoyed the shitstorm.”

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