Swedish Court Hears Defamation Case Stemming from Comedic Podcast Remarks
A complex defamation case is unfolding in the Stockholm District Court, centered around a podcast episode featuring comedians Bianca Meyer and Jonatan Unge. In January 2023, the pair made controversial remarks about right-wing activist Nick Alinia, referring to him as a “Nazi,” “alt-right,” and using a derogatory term. Despite Alinia not being explicitly named in the podcast, he alleges he was identifiable to many, leading him to file a defamation suit against Meyer later that year.
During proceedings in the Stockholm court, audio from the podcast episode was presented, revealing both Meyer and Unge laughing during the segment. This contrasted sharply with the somber atmosphere of the courtroom. Recordings of telephone conversations between Alinia and Meyer were also played, in which Meyer reportedly expressed disbelief that the podcast comments would result in legal action.
“I saw it as the only way to get some kind of redress, I wanted justice,” Alinia stated, explaining his motivation for pursuing the lawsuit.
Alinia testified that the statements made in the podcast were deeply upsetting. He explained, “They talked as if it were a fact that I am a Nazi, which then and now is completely foreign to me,” and further noted the incident caused him significant distress, particularly concerning his relationships with Jewish acquaintances who might believe the accusations.
Meyer, through her legal representative Monique Wadsted, disputes the allegations, arguing the statements were made within a humorous context using slang and that Alinia’s identity was not revealed in the podcast.
Comedian Takes Responsibility for Controversial Remarks
Jonatan Unge, who was not personally sued, testified that he was surprised Meyer was targeted. “It’s not her who calls someone a Nazi. It’s me. Maybe I should have a lawyer,” he stated. When questioned by Alinia’s attorney, Nima Rostami, Unge attempted to explain the comedic intent behind his remarks, but Rostami reportedly did not find the statements humorous. Unge defended his actions, stating, “Because it’s funny, even Nazis don’t call themselves Nazis today.”
Alinia clarified his decision to sue only Meyer, explaining that she was the one who initially introduced the subject and “made a point” of the remarks. Had he sued Unge, he believed, the case would have lacked legal standing.
The case is part of a broader pattern of defamation lawsuits initiated by nationalist activist Christian Peterson, who has a history with far-right groups like the Nordic Resistance Movement (NMR) and Alternative for Sweden. Peterson has dubbed his efforts the “Defamation Ombudsman,” claiming to target “mass voting leftists.” Alinia has previously collaborated with Peterson on content creation.
These lawsuits are typically pursued as small claims, simplifying the legal process and preventing the losing party from being responsible for the other’s legal fees. However, the case involving Meyer took an unusual turn when, in 2024, Meyer’s legal representative, Monique Wadsted, appealed to the Supreme Court to have the matter treated as a standard dispute. This would have required Alinia to cover his own legal costs if he lost.
Wadsted expressed hope that, “the business idea of silencing dissenters via the courts ebbs away if cases can no longer be pursued without cost risk.” Ultimately, in late 2024, the Supreme Court ruled the case would proceed as a small claim.
