Desolate insults

Paulus Manker causes a scandal in the courtroom

Paulus Manker at the Jusizpalast in Vienna.

(Bild: Zwefo)

The next act in the Paulus Manker and Anna Werner Friedmann case: in the civil case brought by the director against the actress, a settlement was reached on Wednesday after much wrangling. But before the judge announced this to the applauding witnesses, Manker caused another scandal. He insulted the media representatives present.

"They're all doing too well," wrote one "Krone" reader under the preliminary coverage of the civil trial Paulus Manker against Anna Werner Friedmann. The director had sued the former "Alma" actress for injunctive relief. On August 9, 2023, the actress had publicly resigned during a performance and, according to the lawsuit, said to the audience: "I don't get paid, everyone else does."

Paulus Manker at the Jusizpalast in Vienna.

(Bild: Zwefo)

This statement earned Manker boos and media scolding. In fact, Friedmann only received her fee on August 16 - later than in the previous months and after many of her colleagues, but within the agreed deadline according to Manker's lawyer Dieter Ortner. "Without a contract or registration, the 15th is not a due date," Friedmann clarifies.

The actress, who currently has an engagement in Berlin, responded with a private lawsuit against Manker for defamation and insult because he said in interviews: "She blackmails and denies me". 

Before further costs are produced, the question is whether you can't pacify this?

Der Richter pocht mit Erfolg auf einen Vergleich.

Fronts hardened, but reason prevails
In the Regional Court for Civil Matters in Vienna, the parties to the dispute sat opposite each other in room 10 on Wednesday, in exactly the same posture - with arms folded and serious expressions on their faces. Manker is not looking at the actress he is suing, but it is clear that he is listening carefully to her every word. After some back and forth, the judge appeals to the common sense of both parties: "Before further costs are incurred, the question is whether there is a way for you to settle this?"

The sued actress Anna Werner Friedmann with lawyer Katharina Braun.

(Bild: Zwefo)

Further wrangling ensued. "You are of the opinion that I must apologize and I am of the opinion that you must apologize," Friedmann, who is represented by lawyer Katharina Braun, initially blocked a settlement. "She has been waging a media campaign against me for weeks under the pretext of abuse of power. This accusation is based on a lie," said Manker and is certain: "She will repeat the accusations." - "I said it to the best of my knowledge and belief," said Friedmann, saying that she had still not been paid her salary in full. - "Then your conscience is not clear," replied Manker. 

Both parties withdraw their complaints 
Mr. Rat sighed. In the meantime, a dozen or so witnesses had gathered outside the courtroom, waiting to be questioned. He makes another attempt at an out-of-court settlement. "Everything has already been said anyway." And indeed there was a rapprochement and finally a settlement with cost compensation. Both refrained from making statements in future and withdrew their complaints. They also agreed to leave each other in peace in future. "When he sued me, it was clear to me that I would fight back," says Friedmann and is convinced that the private lawsuit she filed led to him wanting to settle on Wednesday. "As my lawyer is supporting me pro bono, I have no financial losses. He does."

Freak-out at the end
But that was not the last act of the curious court hearing. Out of nowhere, the 66-year-old turned to the two applying media representatives and insulted them savagely: "These people have no morals," he shouted. "They are the biggest XXX on this planet. The last rabble. What HC Strache said is true." 

Unfortunately, Paulus Manker can't do without a scandal.