German prosecutors open investigation into actor Christian Ulmen over domestic violence allegations in Spain
The Potsdam public prosecutor's office has launched a formal investigation against German actor Christian Ulmen on suspicion of bodily harm linked to domestic violence, following a criminal complaint by his ex-wife Collien Fernandes.
The investigation
The public prosecutor's office in Potsdam confirmed on Tuesday that it has opened an investigation against the 50-year-old actor Christian Ulmen. The probe concerns allegations of bodily harm in the context of domestic violence. According to prosecutor's office spokeswoman Isabelle Fabian, the initial suspicion was established after reviewing information provided by the complainant, Ulmen's ex-wife Collien Fernandes.
It involves several incidents that are said to have occurred in the years 2022/2023 in Spain.
The couple had lived in Potsdam before moving to Mallorca in 2023. Their separation was made public last year. Ulmen and Fernandes, a 44-year-old presenter and actress, had been a couple since 2011 and share a daughter.
Digital violence allegations still under review
Fernandes has also accused Ulmen of creating fake social media profiles in her name and distributing pornographic content designed to appear as though it depicted her. These allegations of so-called "digital violence" remain under examination by the prosecutor's office and have not yet led to formal charges.
The allegations of 'digital violence' are still the subject of review.
The accusations were first reported by Der Spiegel and have sparked a broader public debate about digital violence in Germany.
Ulmen denies all accusations
Christian Ulmen's lawyer has rejected the central allegations. The actor denies all accusations against him. The presumption of innocence applies throughout the proceedings. The prosecutor's office stated that no further information could be provided at this time in order to protect the ongoing investigation.
- Christian Ulmen and Collien Fernandes become a couple.
- First alleged incidents of physical violence in Spain.
- Couple moves from Potsdam to Mallorca; further alleged incidents in Spain.
- Separation made public.
- Potsdam prosecutor opens investigation into bodily harm allegations.
Background of the case
The former couple's relationship and its aftermath have drawn significant media attention in Germany. Fernandes made her allegations public before filing the criminal complaint. The investigation now moves forward on the bodily harm charges while the digital violence claims continue to be assessed separately by authorities.
