Gil Ofarim: “I sought professional help”
In recent months, things had gone quiet around Gil Ofarim. Now the musician is back - and making admissions.
Gil Ofarim shows remorse. In October 2021, the musician made accusations of anti-Semitism against an employee of a Leipzig hotel.
However, the employee fought back and subsequently reported Ofarim for defamation. During the trial, the 42-year-old then admitted to having made up the allegations, and the proceedings were dropped in return for a fine of 10,000 euros. There was a hail of public criticism, and Ofarim withdrew from the public eye – until now.
On his Instagram channel, the singer published a video in which he addressed his fans directly. “I tried several times to record this video. Believe me, it’s not that easy,” says Gil Ofarim, reading out his thoughts on paper: “As you know, there was a very extensive debate in the media last year that I caused with my behavior. I disappointed and hurt many people as a result.”
He then needed some time for himself, but now knows that something like this “cannot be resolved with an apology or silence.” “I take responsibility for what I did – beyond the legal aspect and in every respect.” He has dealt with everything intensively, regrets his behavior and has taken action.
“25 kilos lighter and without a drop of alcohol”
“In the last few months I have sought professional help,” says Gil Ofarim. He also seems to have changed his lifestyle: “25 kilos lighter and without a drop of alcohol, you see things much more clearly and look at yourself more closely,” he explains, even if you don’t always like the result.
He is aware that he cannot immediately regain the trust and respect of his fans. “But I want to try to win you and my life back,” says Gil Ofarim, who suggests that everyone deserves a second chance.
The reactions to the post are mixed. Some people seem to find it difficult to accept Gil Ofarim’s apology. They emphasize how many people he has hurt with his behavior. Other people, on the other hand, react with understanding: “Everyone makes mistakes, otherwise they are not human,” comments one person. “Everyone deserves a second chance,” writes another subscriber.
Gil Ofarim begs for a second chance
His lie was shameful and brought a lot of suffering to people he wrongly accused! In a theatrical black and white video, he is now begging for a second chance…
In 2021, singer Gil Ofarim (42) posted a video in front of the Westin Hotel Leipzig. He claimed that a hotel employee had insulted him with anti-Semitic language when he checked in because of his Star of David necklace. The words he allegedly said were: “Pack up your star!”
Even when he was facing charges of false accusation and defamation in the district court, he stuck to his fairy tale and only told the truth on the sixth day of the trial. The fallen star had to pay a fine of 10,000 euros to the Israeli religious community in Leipzig and to the sponsoring association of the Wannsee Conference House – and only paid after nine months.
Gil retired after the Star of David scandal
He deleted his Instagram account. Until now! In an apology video, he now says in a heavy voice and with big, sad eyes: “Good day everyone and Shalom! I have tried several times to record this video here now.”
He has disappointed and hurt many people through his behavior, says the son of the Israeli singer Abi Ofarim (†80). He: “I needed some time for myself at first. But something like that isn’t resolved with an apology or silence. (…) I would like to say that I have dealt with the accusations for a long time and intensively. I take the doubts and criticisms (…) very seriously. I take responsibility for what I did (…). Things that I regret and am ashamed of and for which I am paying.”
He lost 25 kilos, no longer drinks alcohol
“In the past few months I have sought professional help and started to work on myself,” Ofarim continues. “25 kilos lighter and without a drop of alcohol, you see things much more clearly and take a closer look at yourself. Even if you don’t always like what you see.”
Then Ofarim says why he is recording the video. He: “I want to try to win you and my life back. Everyone deserves a second chance. I want to try that.”
No apology to the hotel employee
Not a word of apology to the hotel employee, Mr. W., who almost lost his job because of his false accusations, received death threats, and had to go into hiding for ten days. Not a word of apology to the hotel, which suffered hereditary damage to its image and financial losses.
And not a word of apology to all Jews in Germany who are actually affected by anti-Semitism!
