Axel-Springer-Verlag is suing former “Bild” boss Reichelt

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Publisher Axel Springer has taken the former editor-in-chief of “Bild”, Julian Reichelt, to court. A spokeswoman for the company confirmed this to AFP news agency on Monday. In addition to a civil suit seeking reimbursement of a seven-figure severance payment and a six-figure contractual fine, the publisher also filed criminal charges against Reichelt for fraud. The “Spiegel” had previously reported on the civil lawsuit.

The lawsuit was therefore filed with the Berlin Labor Court. The publisher refers to a settlement agreement that was concluded with Reichelt in the fall of 2021. In addition to the settlement of one million euros, it provides for other obligations that the former boss of “Bild” violated in the opinion of his former employer. This includes, among other things, the handling of internal company data.

As the “Spiegel” reported, Reichelt had also promised as part of the plea agreement not to hijack any Springer employees. The publisher also sees this promise as not fulfilled; several of Reichelt’s former Springer colleagues now work for his Rome Medien company.

In addition, the publisher has filed a report with the Public Prosecution Service, according to the spokeswoman. The investigation was still ongoing, it concerned the allegation of fraud.

Reichelt was relieved of his duties as editor-in-chief of “Bild” in October 2021. He is said to have had relationships with numerous female employees, some of whom accuse him of abuse of power. In the spring of 2021, an internal test procedure was initially discontinued. But even then “Reichelt did not clearly separate private and professional matters and told the board of directors an untruth,” the publisher later explained.

(AFP)

Source: Blick