A shocking viral video is being investigated by police in the northern German state of Schleswig-Holstein, depicting a group of young people apparently singing racist lyrics outside a bar on the island of Sylt.
“A video of people partying on Sylt is currently doing the rounds on social media,” the police announced on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday morning. “We are aware of this video which is being investigated for potentially illegal content.”
The video, purportedly filmed outside the exclusive “Pony” nightclub in the island town of Kampen last weekend, shows individuals dancing to Italian DJ Gigi D’Agostino’s party hit “L’amour toujours” while altering the lyrics to: “Foreigners out, foreigners out, Germany for the Germans, foreigners out.”
One attendee is seen apparently mimicking Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler, gesturing a short moustache and performing a Nazi salute.
Upon discovery of the video, “Pony” took to Instagram, stating it was “deeply shocked” and distancing itself from all forms of racism and discrimination.
The club asserted: “Every guest is welcome regardless of ethnicity … we are proud of our diversity. Had we known about this incident, we would obviously have ejected those concerned. There is no place for racism!” It concluded with a firm message: “To all those who can see themselves singing on this video, you’re barred!”
Prominent German satirical journalist and late-night television host Jan Böhmermann shared the video on social media, prompting a widespread response. A couple of hours later, the club announced that it had received the names of the individuals involved and vowed to “press charges against this disgusting behavior with all legal means”.
Meanwhile, Berlin politician Sawsan Chebli of the Social Democrats (SPD) commented on social media, saying: “They feel so secure.”
Renowned German journalist and news anchor Dunja Hayali expressed her dismay, stating: “Hitler moustaches and champagne, but no ‘foreigners.’ Sylt. 2024. On the day on which we celebrate the Basic Law.”
The video emerged on the day Germany marked the 75th anniversary of the country’s constitution, known as the Basic Law, the first paragraph of which states: “Human dignity shall be inviolable.”
The chanting of reworded racist lyrics over the “L’amour toujours” melody gained traction in far-right circles in Germany as early as 2023. In 2024, similar incidents have prompted police investigations at parties and celebrations in various remote Bavarian towns, as well as in Schleswig-Holstein.