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Arts & Culture
06 April 2025

Inka Bause Reflects On Playboy Offers And Personal Choices

The popular presenter shares her decisions and experiences on MDR's Riverboat show.

Inka Bause, a well-known German television presenter and singer, made headlines during her appearance on the MDR talk show "Riverboat" on April 4, 2025, when she revealed that she had declined multiple offers to pose for the iconic men’s magazine Playboy. Bause, who is now 56, recounted how she was approached by Günther Geffroy, a prominent photographer in East Germany, shortly after the reunification in 1989. Despite being offered 'a lot of West German money,' she turned down the opportunity at just 16 years old.

"I thought it was great to hang around with men as a young woman, but when Playboy approached me in 1989 with a significant offer, I ultimately said no," Bause explained to Wolfgang Lippert, the show's host. Her refusal was based on personal convictions, particularly her desire to set a good example for her then-teenage daughter. She stated, "If you can give me a reason that I can explain to my daughter about why I would undress in front of the world, other than money, then I might consider it." However, the magazine's head could not provide such a justification.

Ten to fifteen years later, Bause received a second request from Playboy, but she again declined. This time, she reiterated her stance, saying, "Well, if I didn't do it when I was 16, I won't do it now that I'm in my mid-30s. It hasn't gotten any better." Despite her refusals, Bause expressed admiration for the magazine, stating, "I love Playboy, I find it really interesting. I still fight for the interview on the last page, which I think is the most beautiful part of Playboy."

In the same episode, Claudia Pechstein, the legendary speed skater, shared that she had been approached three times by Playboy, each time turning down the offer. Pechstein, now 53, reflected on her experiences and noted that the allure of posing for the magazine was not enough to sway her. "I think we can present ourselves in other ways," she remarked, highlighting the importance of personal choice in such decisions.

Kim Fisher, another guest on the show, also revealed that she had received a request from Playboy, joining the ranks of Bause and Pechstein in their shared experiences with the magazine. Meanwhile, Cordula Stratmann, a comedian and actress, humorously suggested her own concept for a photo shoot that would involve her being fully clothed on the cover, with each subsequent photo showing her adding more clothing. "I never heard back from them after that," she quipped, eliciting laughter from the audience.

The discussion highlighted a broader theme of female empowerment and the choices women make regarding their bodies and public personas. Bause's story resonated with many, showcasing how personal values can influence decisions in the entertainment industry.

As the conversation shifted towards the impact of reality TV, Bause mentioned her long-running show "Bauer sucht Frau" (Farmer Seeks Wife), which has become a cultural phenomenon in Germany. She recalled receiving a heartfelt message from Olaf, a farmer featured in the show's first season, who contacted her just before the program’s twentieth anniversary. Olaf shared that he had finally found the love of his life after 19 years and invited Bause to his wedding. "So, it’s not nonsense what we do. It’s a huge community. I truly love my farmers," Bause emphasized, reinforcing the show's significance in connecting people.

This candid exchange among the women on "Riverboat" not only provided insight into their personal experiences with Playboy but also showcased the evolution of women's roles in media and society. Each of them, in their own way, has navigated the pressures of public life while maintaining their integrity and personal values.

In a world where the media often objectifies women, Bause, Pechstein, Fisher, and Stratmann's stories stand out as examples of empowerment and choice, reminding viewers that the decision to share one’s image is deeply personal and can be influenced by a myriad of factors beyond mere financial gain.

As Inka Bause continues her career, celebrating over 40 years in the industry with a new album and tour, her reflections on past decisions serve as a reminder that the choices women make can have lasting implications. The conversation on "Riverboat" has opened up discussions about body autonomy, self-representation, and the importance of personal values in the face of societal expectations.

Ultimately, the episode was not just about past offers from Playboy but rather a celebration of the women’s journeys, their resilience, and their commitment to authenticity in an ever-changing media landscape.