Singer Heino disputes film title over gender-neutral language

German singer Heino, 87, has successfully resolved a dispute regarding the title of a television pilot film filmed in Velden am Wörthersee, Austria. The conflict arose after the production team changed the project's working title from “Die Rettungsschwimmer vom Wörthersee” to the gender-neutral “Rettungsschwimmer:innen”.

Heino expressed strong opposition to the change, stating that he believes gender-neutral language “disfigures” the German language. Following the discovery of the title change, the singer threatened to withdraw from the production entirely. His legal counsel issued a formal notice to producer and director Stefanie Mayer, prohibiting the use of any footage featuring the singer.

After legal intervention and mediation by Heino's manager, the producer agreed to revert to the original title. While Heino will remain in the film, Mayer stated that she maintains her personal convictions regarding gender-inclusive language.