TV Chef Verena Leister Returns €200,000 in Storm Relief Donations after Online Harassment

A violent thunderstorm struck the spa town of Rathen in Saxony, killing one person, injuring three and heavily damaging the local "Wanderrast" eatery and boat‑rental facility. TV and event chef Verena Leister, who runs the venue, posted an Instagram appeal that generated roughly €200,000 in donations within a single day.

Leister later announced that a "extreme wave of shitstorm" – abusive messages, false accusations and rumors on social media – had become "one number too many." She said she would therefore return every contribution, refunding each donor and closing the fundraising link. Instead, she asked supporters to help the town of Rathen directly. The harassment, she warned, would delay the reconstruction; a reopening of the snack bar and boat service is now not realistic before Easter 2027.

Leister added that the venue will await public aid or other sources before proceeding, and that any further work will be financed step‑by‑step from its own means as far as possible.