After his mocking remarks about para-athletes, comedian Luke Mockridge has apologized. “Of course, it was never my intention to ridicule people with disabilities – especially during these great Paralympic Games,” Mockridge wrote on his Instagram channel.
“From my own experience working with disabled people, I have always encountered sharp, dark humor, which I celebrated. I’m truly sorry that I failed to convey that correctly and that I hurt people,” Mockridge continued. “It also frustrates me that media outlets are talking more about me at the end of these Paralympic Games rather than about the tournament.”
Ridiculed
Prior to this, comedian and television host Mockridge ridiculed Paralympic athletes in Paris, causing much outrage. “There are people without legs and arms, who you throw into a pool – and whoever drowns last wins,” said the 35-year-old on the podcast “Die Deutschen” hosted by Nizar and Schayan.
He also shared his thoughts on the origin of the Paralympics. “Crazy: The first person who called another country and said, ‘Hey, you know the Olympic Games. I have a similar idea. You have disabled people in your country too. Shall we see who has faster ones?'” he said.
Kappel: “Human contempt, ignorance, and bad taste”
Former track cyclist Kristina Vogel, who has been paralyzed since a training accident, reacted with dismay: “For the question of why people are talking endlessly, because there are still those who spread such inhumane crap and simply belittle disabled people. Here’s an example, it’s unbelievable,” Vogel wrote on her Instagram channel. She shared the already three-week-old clip with Mockridge’s statements.
“Luke Mockridge and his two colleagues are unfortunate that human contempt, ignorance, and bad taste are not paralympic,” said shot putter Niko Kappel in response to an inquiry from F.A.Z.: “Otherwise, they could have experienced these incredible games as athletes and would have been strong candidates for gold.”
Disability Sports Association: Mockridge should watch Para-Sport himself
Meanwhile, the German Disability Sports Association (DBS) issued an invitation. “We would like to encourage everyone to watch Para-Sport live, to experience the impressive achievements of people with disabilities – and to understand the enrichment they bring to our society,” the DBS said in a statement to the German Press Agency. “We do not wish to devote more attention to this issue.”
Mockridge said he would “gladly accept” this invitation. He looks forward to “the change in perspective and to actively learning. Comedy and sport should always be fun! Today it didn’t work out, and that falls on me,” he concluded in his statement.
Previously, Özcan Mutlu, president of the Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association of Berlin, had called for an apology from Mockridge. “An egregious outburst. This can neither be dismissed as comedy nor as mere foolishness,” Mutlu told the German Press Agency, “such degrading remarks are absolutely unacceptable and deserve sharp condemnation. Mockridge should be deeply ashamed and immediately apologize.” This outburst also shows, he said, “that we still have a lot to do socially so that inclusion does not remain just an empty phrase,” said the former Member of Parliament (Alliance 90/The Greens).
The 56-year-old Mutlu had followed the competitions in Paris last week and was fascinated by the “wonderful spirit” of the games. “The para-athletes are not only outstanding athletes who achieve impressive performances, but also admirable people, strong fighters, and role models for millions,” said Mutlu, referring to the last two days of the Paralympics this weekend: “I can only recommend everyone to attend the Paralympics or watch them on television – it is simply inspiring!”
Mockridge had previously come into focus. Among other things, he caused trouble with a confusing appearance on “ZDF-Fernsehgarten.” “The jokes that Luke Mockridge made today neither resonated with our humor nor with that of the audience. Unfortunately, there is nothing more to say; the appearance speaks for itself,” ZDF had said at the time.
Mockridge was once one of the faces of the channel Sat.1. In August 2021, he announced a break after accusations of sexual violence made against him by his former partner and has since barely appeared on television. Mockridge denied the allegations; the case has since been dropped. He is set to host a show again starting in mid-September.
Semechin and Schmidt carry the flag at the closing ceremony
Paralympic gold medalists Elena Semechin and Maurice Schmidt will carry the German flag at the closing ceremony of the Games in Paris. This was confirmed by the German Disability Sports Association following its press conference. The ceremony at Stade de France begins on Sunday at 8:30 PM. Fencer Schmidt was unbeatable with the sabre in his second participation. Visually impaired Semechin, who still swims under the name Krawzow for sponsorship reasons, secured gold in the pool over 100 meters breaststroke.