Rudle apologises for remarks about Gunkl

Comedian Gerold Rudle apologised on Friday for calling Günther Paal, known as Gunkl, “lovable”, ORF reported. Paal has been accused of sexually abusing children and possessing child sexual abuse material.

Rudle made the remarks on Radio Niederösterreich on Thursday while discussing his new book, which is about a comedian. He also addressed what he called “the serious case weighing on us”: the allegations against Paal.

Rudle said he knew Paal as “a thoughtful, very lovable, intelligent person”, but added that “what happened, what he did, is of course unforgivable”. He also urged people not to rush to judgment and told men, including himself: “Apparently, there is a monster sleeping somewhere inside all of us, and we have to make sure it continues to sleep down there.”

The comments drew criticism. In an apology posted on social media on Friday, Rudle said he had spoken spontaneously because he had known Paal as a colleague for a long time. “My choice of words was inappropriate and could be understood as relativising” the allegations, he wrote. “I deeply regret that.”

Rudle added that sexual abuse of children could not be relativised or excused in any way and that protecting victims must “always be the priority”. He said he accepted responsibility for his ambiguous remarks and apologised sincerely.