Overview
- During a high-value question that listed 'Taubentöter' as an option, the host called pigeons 'rats of the sky' and cheered for that choice, drawing laughter in the studio.
- Clips from the episode spread online, and animal rescuer Malte Zierden said the remarks were wrong and demeaning, noting that many city pigeons rely on humans to survive.
- Zierden offered to appear on the quiz show and donate any winnings to pigeon-protection groups.
- The wildlife rescue group Volare Wildvogelhilfe warned that jokes like these can normalize hate toward pigeons and urged viewers to contact RTL and producer Endemol Shine Germany.
- As of the latest reports, RTL, Endemol Shine Germany, and Jauch had not issued an official response.