Danish comedian Rasmus Wallbridge spent four months believing he was about to fulfill his ambition of making a feature film. Instead, he had unknowingly become the subject of a six-part television series, sparking a heated debate in Denmark over the limits of entertainment programming.
Around 150 people, including friends, colleagues and public figures, took part in the deception. Some filmed Wallbridge with hidden cameras. The setup, which involved a close friend and business partner, became “Alle elsker Rasmus” (“Everyone Loves Rasmus”), broadcast by TV2. Wallbridge learned the truth only in the final episode, when he discovered that the film project was a prank.
After facing strong criticism, TV2 removed the series from the internet and apologized to Wallbridge. The broadcaster also announced an internal investigation. Calls for an independent review and consequences for those responsible have continued to grow.
Critics have described the series as bullying and psychological abuse. Denmark’s culture minister, Zenia Stampe, told broadcaster DR that TV2 had treated Wallbridge in an “utterly blatant and unethical” way by deceiving him for months. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said she hoped the case would prompt greater awareness of the moral and ethical responsibilities involved in deciding what to publish.
Wallbridge addressed the controversy on Instagram over the weekend, saying he had seen what people were saying and writing to him but was not ready to join the discussion. He also urged TV2 not to make similar programs in the future.
TV2 has previously faced questions about its use of covert filming. Its documentary “The Black Swan” used hidden cameras and an informant to expose links between Denmark’s underworld and its elite, prompting debate over the methods used to obtain information. Danish public broadcasters have also aired other unconventional formats, including a children’s animated series on DR and TV2 interviews with public figures that are broadcast after their deaths.
Sources: Der Spiegel.