Oktoberfest's Teufelsrad attraction faces voyeurism scandal

At the Oktoberfest in Munich, the Teufelsrad (Devil's Wheel) attraction has become the center of a voyeurism scandal. Reports indicate that at least 32,000 videos of women being filmed under their skirts have circulated online. The centrifugal motion of the ride often causes participants in traditional dirndl dresses to have their skirts lifted, which voyeurs exploit to capture footage of their underwear. Some videos have reportedly reached millions of views, with some creators allegedly profiting from the content.

In response, the attraction's operator, 80-year-old Elisabeth Polaczy, has been distributing free cycling shorts to women and girls for the past three years to provide protection and peace of mind. Polaczy noted that while the initiative is costly, it is necessary to help visitors feel safe.

Upskirting is illegal in Germany, with potential penalties of up to two years in prison. Bavarian police have also implemented awareness campaigns using posters to warn against such behavior. Despite these efforts, the difficulty of controlling smartphone usage in large crowds remains a significant challenge for organizers and law enforcement.