Conflict escalates as reality show contestants Yvonne Woelke and Iris Klein clash on 'Promis unter Palmen'. The animosity between the two has been palpable, originating from real-life drama and personal betrayal.
The longstanding feud between Yvonne Woelke, 46, and Iris Klein, 57, is intensifying with their participation in the reality show, 'Promis unter Palmen', set to air starting February 17, 2025. Their conflict dates back to early 2023, when Iris accused her husband, Peter Klein, of having an affair with Yvonne. Subsequently, Peter and Yvonne confirmed their relationship, which only fueled the fire between the two women.
The tension between Yvonne and Iris quickly boiled over as filming began for the show, which takes place in Thailand. During their first encounter, the verbal exchange escalated to new lows. Iris, unable to suppress her disdain, referred to Yvonne with derogatory terms, calling her "Furunkel" (boil) and "Drecksschlampe" (filthy whore). The clash was so intense and physical, with Iris allegedly throwing a burning cigarette at Yvonne, declaring, "Dreck zu Dreck" (filth to filth).
Other contestants joined the fray with insults, which left Yvonne feeling overwhelmed and targeted. She expressed her feelings of being bullied, saying, "Ich habe mich da richtig gemobbt gefühlt. [...] Für mich war das eine der schlimmsten Situationen in meinem bisherigen Leben," (I felt really bullied there. [...] For me, it was one of the worst situations of my life). The psychological toll was such, Yvonne required assistance from the production's psychologist shortly after filming.
Despite the producers' previous promises to enforce anti-bullying measures, viewers witnessed blatant disregard for these new rules during the show. Yvonne stated, "Die haben mir geholfen, wo sie konnten. Ich finde gut, dass sie diese Szenen nicht rausschneiden. Die anderen sollen ruhig mal sehen, was sie da mit mir gemacht haben," (They helped me where they could. I think it's good they didn't cut these scenes. Let the others see what they did to me). Yvonne hoped the exposure of this behavior would prompt recognition of its wrongness among her rivals.
Yvonne's distress was palpable as she reflected on her situation within the reality show environment, where she felt ganged up on by Iris and others. "Sie haben mich alle gemeinsam fertig gemacht. Bei Cosimo dachte ich zwischendurch, dass er mir gleich ins Gesicht schlägt," (They all teamed up against me. At one point, I thought Cosimo might punch me) she shared, providing insight on the magnified mental stress she endured.
While the format of 'Promis unter Palmen' has always invited drama, this season's focus on bullying resonates deeply, prompting mixed reactions from audiences. Sat.1 spokesperson Christoph Körfer emphasized their commitment to combating bullying. He stated, "Wir haben klare Regeln, um Mobbing zu bestrafen und zu vermeiden. Das heißt: Wer mobbt, fliegt! Und zwar sofort," (We have clear rules to punish and prevent bullying. That means: those who bully will be expelled! Immediately). Yet, with Iris and others remaining on the show, many are questioning the integrity of these promises.
Expectations are high for the show's intense drama as it gears up for its premiere, but the underlying sadness of interpersonal conflicts remains front and center. Both audiences and contestants are left wondering whether the spirit of camaraderie among contestants will ever prevail amid such discord.