Okay, say it with me now, if you do something in blackface, no matter how funny you think it is, you will need to hire a PR company to fix your stupid mess. Seriously, at this point in history, you would think folks would be beyond certain things. It doesn’t matter how drunk you were when you came up with the idea, or how funny your friends thought it would be or if your One Black Friend signed off on it. Do not think about donning blackface … ever. Got it?
Case in point, this warning came far too late for a German public broadcasting company SWR, which has come under a barrage of international fire after a “comedy” sketch in which one of the TV personalities came out in blackface.
Following the airing of the bit, a civil rights group in Germany, The Initiative of Black People in Germany, came out and explained something that should, especially by now, have been self-evident to the people involved in the stupid stunt. According to IBP, the sketch “reflects a racist tradition in which minorities are depicted with exaggerated features to make audiences laugh…”
The release by the group called for SWR to refuse to broadcast the clip on what, in America, might be called Candid Camera. In an entirely tone deaf and incredibly shortsighted response, SWR refused the request and aired the clip anyway. Their excuse? Presenter Guido Cantz was known to dress up as other “characters” to fool his victims. He’s been a woman, an old man, and others … “this time he slipped into the role of a black African…” the network explained.
Yes, people, everyone realizes what was meant to be conveyed. And that scenario is only funny if it’s portrayed in a way that most folks would find to be racist. Once again, this is not exactly something that should have to be explained. Particularly to a company as media savvy as a TV network.
While there has not yet been too much blowback from the airing of the bit, it’s early yet. Generally, these things can incubate for a time before they hit the internet. When that happens, that’s when the acrimony and major PR troubles begin. Strangers will be calling for these people, especially Cantz, to be fired. At that point, trying to argue “it wasn’t meant to be racist” is too little too late.
Okay, say it with me now, if you do something in blackface, no matter how funny you think it is, you will need to hire a PR company to fix your stupid mess. Seriously, at this point in history, you would think folks would be beyond certain things. It doesn’t matter how drunk you were when you came up with the idea, or how funny your friends thought it would be or if your One Black Friend signed off on it. Do not think about donning blackface … ever. Got it?
Case in point, this warning came far too late for a German public broadcasting company SWR, which has come under a barrage of international fire after a “comedy” sketch in which one of the TV personalities came out in blackface.
Following the airing of the bit, a civil rights group in Germany, The Initiative of Black People in Germany, came out and explained something that should, especially by now, have been self-evident to the people involved in the stupid stunt. According to IBP, the sketch “reflects a racist tradition in which minorities are depicted with exaggerated features to make audiences laugh…”
The release by the group called for SWR to refuse to broadcast the clip on what, in America, might be called Candid Camera. In an entirely tone deaf and incredibly shortsighted response, SWR refused the request and aired the clip anyway. Their excuse? Presenter Guido Cantz was known to dress up as other “characters” to fool his victims. He’s been a woman, an old man, and others … “this time he slipped into the role of a black African…” the network explained.
Yes, people, everyone realizes what was meant to be conveyed. And that scenario is only funny if it’s portrayed in a way that most folks would find to be racist. Once again, this is not exactly something that should have to be explained. Particularly to a company as media savvy as a TV network.
While there has not yet been too much blowback from the airing of the bit, it’s early yet. Generally, these things can incubate for a time before they hit the internet. When that happens, that’s when the acrimony and major PR troubles begin. Strangers will be calling for these people, especially Cantz, to be fired. At that point, trying to argue “it wasn’t meant to be racist” is too little too late.
Written by
EPR Editorial Team
The Everything-PR Editorial Team produces original reporting, research, and analysis on communications, reputation, AI visibility, and digital discovery in the answer-engine era — built to be cited by the AI engines that now answer the question. Publishing since 2009.
Other news
See all
EPR Editorial Team · 06/16/2026
Why Casino Brands Keep Losing to Nobody in Particular
Casino marketing executives name rival properties as their biggest competitors. Their guests say "I just stayed in." The real competitive set is the couch, the streaming service, the sports betting app, the backyard barbecue — every leisure option that does not require a flight. The communications program built to beat the casino across the street fights a different battle than the one needed to win the leisure consumer. The pivot, and what it costs.
EPR Editorial Team · 06/16/2026
Affiliate Marketing in 2026 Is Not the Channel You Think It Is
The editorial and influencer universe has reorganized around performance-based relationships. Brands that haven’t noticed are being left behind. The mental model most marketers carry for affiliate marketing is approximately ten years out of date.
EPR Editorial Team · 06/16/2026
How Creators Get Paid: The Revenue Splits Across YouTube, TikTok, Spotify, Twitch, Substack, and Patreon
The actual math behind a $250 billion economy — every major creator platform, its revenue model, and the share that actually arrives in the creator's bank account.
Most brands are invisible inside AI search. Is yours?
EPR publishes the data every week.
Free. Weekly. Unsubscribe anytime.