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Protests and scandal: Till Lindemann in focus at the Leipzig Opera Ball!
At the 30th Leipzig Opera Ball, 400 people protested against Till Lindemann for sexual assault while he arrived late.
Protests and scandal: Till Lindemann in focus at the Leipzig Opera Ball!
Last Saturday, October 26, 2025, the 30th Leipzig Opera Ball took place, which not only shined with a festive ambience, but also with a strong aftertaste of controversy. The Rammstein singer Till Lindemann was discussed overheated because of his invitation. Around 400 demonstrators gathered in front of the opera, loudly protesting against the singer's choice. The protesters called Lindemann a misogynist and held up banners that clearly indicated her stance, including a banner that said: “Tell me who you celebrate with and I will tell you who you are.”
The protest was organized by the “Together Against Sexual Violence and Abuse of Power” alliance, which is supported by around 30 initiatives, including the German Federation of Trade Unions. Also the Saxon Equal Opportunities Minister Petra Köpping had canceled her participation as guest of honor at short notice in order to contribute to de-escalation. Saxony Minister Sebastian Gemkow, however, made it clear that the protests were “completely fine” and that everyone could express their opinion.
Invitation with controversy
Lindemann's invitation to the Opera Ball sparked a public debate. The entrepreneur Torsten Fenger, who invited Lindemann to his table, has a personal connection to the musician and is also a long-standing sponsor of the Opera Ball. It was Fenger who issued this controversial invitation, as sponsors have the freedom to invite guests without the consent of the organizers. The organizer Maxi Fenger emphasized that this was a private decision and does not reflect the official agenda of the ball.
The Opera Ball itself celebrated its 30th anniversary in 2025 under the motto “Bienvenidos, Andalucía” and attracted around 2,000 guests. Among the prominent attendees were violinists David Garrett, reality TV star Claudia Obert and actress Jenny Elvers. Despite the festive setting, the protests attracted attention, with many calling for Lindemann to be excluded from the ball.
Repeated accusations and sanctions
The situation surrounding Till Lindemann is not new. In 2023, several women made serious allegations against him of drugging and sexually abusing them at after-show parties. Lindemann himself rejected all allegations, and the Berlin public prosecutor's office closed the investigation in August 2023 without there being a trial. Nevertheless, public opinion remains divided. An open letter that preceded the demonstration made it clear that legal innocence does not provide moral exoneration.
Things are now getting serious for Lindemann, because next Wednesday he starts his solo world tour “My World” in the Leipzig Arena, and the concert is already sold out. Visitors can be curious to see how the current controversy surrounding the singer will influence the atmosphere of his performance.