In a landmark case of media accountability, the Berlin police officer Judy S. has been awarded a substantial compensation of 150,000 euros following a series of defamatory reports by the tabloid newspaper BILD. The reports, which emerged in November 2024, falsely claimed that Judy S. was a trans woman who had drugged and sexually abused two men in her apartment. These allegations were categorically denied and have now been officially retracted by the newspaper.
The situation unfolded dramatically, capturing national attention under the headline "The Lost Honor of Judy S." The Tagesspiegel revealed how BILD not only vilified the police officer but also engaged in a smear campaign filled with fabricated details. This unprecedented case of defamation in German media history has prompted significant legal and public scrutiny.
According to reports from the Tagesspiegel, Judy S. has reached an out-of-court settlement with the Springer media group, the parent company of BILD, with her lawyer Christian Schertz confirming the agreement. Schertz, who has described the case as "monstrous," noted that he had never encountered such a severe instance of defamation throughout his career.
As part of the settlement, both BILD and its sister publication B.Z. will prominently publish a correction and apology on their front pages on Thursday, April 17, 2025. The correction will also be included in the national edition of BILD, ensuring wide visibility for the retraction. The newspapers will state unequivocally that "none of these claims were true. They have been refuted." This admission marks a significant shift in the narrative surrounding Judy S. and her reputation.
The BILD reports suggested that Judy S. had drugged two men during sexual encounters, even alleging the use of a penis pump. None of these claims were substantiated, and the editorial team has acknowledged the severe damage inflicted on Judy S.’s personal and professional life as a result of their reporting. They have publicly apologized, recognizing the harm caused.
Judy S. completed her training with the Landespolizei Berlin in 2022, finishing as one of the top graduates in her class. She has since been serving in a deployment unit. The defamatory articles appeared just three days after she was elected as the deputy women's representative of the police, a position that had attracted significant attention and, it seems, hostility from certain factions within the police community.
Internal sources within the police have indicated that there was a concerted effort to undermine Judy S. in the lead-up to her election. Representatives from the German Police Union (DPolG) reportedly campaigned against her, creating an environment ripe for the defamatory reports. Notably, the author of the original BILD articles has since left the publication and had personal connections with the DPolG, raising questions about the motivations behind the reporting.
In light of the revelations and the ongoing internal investigations into potential breaches of official secrecy, the case highlights the urgent need for media accountability and ethical journalism. The repercussions of such false reporting can be devastating, not only for the individuals involved but also for public trust in media institutions.
The settlement and the forthcoming corrections represent a critical step towards justice for Judy S., who has had her character and professionalism unjustly attacked. As the media landscape continues to evolve, this case serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with the power of the press.
Moving forward, Judy S. hopes to rebuild her reputation and continue her career in law enforcement, while the media industry is left to grapple with the implications of this case for journalistic integrity and the potential for reform.
