Heino resolves dispute over film title regarding gendered language

German singer Heino has successfully contested a change to the working title of a film series in which he appears. The dispute arose when the original title, ‘Die Rettungsschwimmer vom Wörthersee’, was changed to include gender-neutral language, specifically ‘Die Rettungsschwimmer:innen’.

Heino, 87, expressed strong opposition to the use of gendered language, describing it as ‘nonsense’ and ‘outdated’. Following legal pressure from his management, which threatened to remove his scenes from the production, director and producer Stefanie Mayer agreed to revert the title to ‘Die Rettungsschwimmer am Wörthersee’ (or ‘vom Wörthersee’).

Mayer stated that while she personally continues to support gender-sensitive language, she chose to change the title to ensure the success of the film project. Heino has confirmed he is satisfied with the resolution and will remain part of the production.