Til Schweiger speaks out for the first time after becoming an alcohol freak

It was said to have been an open secret in the industry for a long time, but a “Spiegel” report finally made it public in April: Til Schweiger allegedly had an alcohol problem and was prone to violent outbursts and intimidation. The production of the film “Manta, Manta – Second Part” in particular made headlines. The actor appeared drunk during filming and punched an employee in the face, production circles said.

His lawyers denied the descriptions, but the head of film production Constantin confirmed the incident. And Til Schweiger? The 59-year-old has remained steadfastly silent about the allegations. For about half a year – so far. Til Schweiger spoke for the first time with ‘Stern’ about the allegedly fearful work atmosphere, his alcohol problems and how the accusations have changed his life.

“Are you a tyrant, Mr. Schweiger?” is one of the first questions in the interview – which he was “a little nervous” about, as the movie star admits. The accusation hit hard. “I am a friendly person,” emphasizes Til Schweiger. “I don’t want anyone to be afraid of me.” However, he admits that friends had previously told him that he could have a demeanor that seemed “scary.”

His drinking contributed to the situation on set. Til Schweiger does not deny that either. During the recording of “Manta Manta – Second Part” he drank “more than before”. There was a situation where ‘I wasn’t myself because I drank alcohol. But at that moment I didn’t want to believe it. Then I was convinced I could shoot.”

However, the production manager thought differently and denied him access to the set. “He wanted to protect me from myself and had the courage to stand in my way. And what have I done? I punched him in the face, even though I appreciate this man so much and love him so much,” Til Schweiger describes the situation and admits: “It was a catastrophe that I still remember today always ashamed.”

The 59-year-old explains that he only showed up drunk once during filming – after a night of drinking. He is aware that he has an alcohol problem. Over the years, there have been repeated conversations with family members and friends who were concerned that he was drinking too much. «Today I know: I always put this subject aside. It gradually increased and then there was loss of control. Afterwards I was always very ashamed,” said the actor.

Looking back, he knows, “I was fooling myself the whole time.” After all, recent events marked the long-awaited turning point in his life. “I realized that I have a problem that I cannot control without outside help.” That is why he has been in therapy for a few months, because “I will soon be 60. I don’t want to waste any more time, I want to become a better person,” emphasizes Til Schweiger.

He has been drinking a maximum of two glasses of alcohol at a time for six months and is no longer drunk. “When your kids say to you, ‘Dad, I’m proud of you,’ that’s a lot nicer than when they sit in front of you crying because they’re so worried.” He still has to live with the consequences of his actions. ‘That’s the punishment. Because even if you apologize honestly, you have deeply hurt some people,” says Til Schweiger.