Bert Wollersheim faces police investigation after Reeperbahn taxi dispute

On July 8, 75‑year‑old former “red‑light king” Bert Wollersheim attended drag‑queen Olivia Jones’s summer party on Hamburg’s Reeperbahn. After the event he argued with photographer Heiko Weßling over the cost of a taxi ride. Days later the two met again in a bar, the disagreement escalated and Weßling filed a complaint alleging insult and threat. Police have opened an investigation against Wollersheim.

Wollersheim and his partner Natalie Strehlau (known as Angel) were staying at the nearby East Hotel. They say they paid less than six euros for the taxi to the party, while the return fare was charged at 25 euros. Weßling says he told the driver that Wollersheim was a prominent customer. The exchange included vulgar insults, and Wollersheim responded dismissively, calling the situation “just stupid.” The police confirmed the ongoing investigation.