GZSZ actors Anne Menden and Josefin Bressel report digital violence

German soap opera actors Anne Menden and Josefin Bressel have spoken out about the severe impact of digital violence, including fake news, deepfakes, and personal threats.

Josefin Bressel reported encountering false claims on Facebook stating she had passed away following a long illness. Anne Menden described a traumatic experience involving a manipulated image suggesting she had suffered a miscarriage. This falsehood reached her family members, including her partner Gustav Masurek’s father, who was confronted about the matter at his workplace.

Both actresses highlighted that the harassment extended beyond misinformation to include insults and death threats. Menden stated that the situation became serious enough to require police involvement, leading her and Masurek to install security cameras and alarm systems. For a period, Menden significantly restricted her daily movements and avoided traveling alone due to safety concerns.