Courtroom Drama: Paulus Manker Sparks Controversy with Shocking Insults

In a dramatic turn of events at the Regional Court for Civil Matters in Vienna, a case involved director Paulus Manker and actress Anna Werner Friedmann. The two became caught up in a heated legal fight that led to a loud outburst in the courtroom. The matter showed a conflict over fees that were not paid and claims from both sides. It ended with a surprise agreement.

On August 9, 2023, Friedmann stood on stage and announced her exit. She told the audience, "I don’t get paid, everyone else does." Her statement sparked boos at Manker and stirred sharp media comments. Friedmann did receive her pay later than in previous months. Manker replied that the payment was made on time as the deal said. Friedmann said that without a formal paper or registration, the usual deadline did not count.

Friedmann then brought a private case against Manker. She said that he had made false claims when he said in interviews that she had blackmailed him. In the courtroom on April 3, 2024, both stayed firm in their words. Their serious looks and folded arms showed their firm stand. The judge worked to help them talk things out, but each side wanted the other to say sorry.

Friedmann stood by her claim that Manker misused his power. Manker called her words false. The judge kept asking them to settle so they would pay less for court work. In the end, both agreed. They dropped their charges and promised not to talk about the issue in public again. Friedmann said that her own case helped bring about this end.

Before the hearing closed, Manker spoke harshly to the reporters in the room. He hurled insults and called them "the biggest [expletive] on this planet." His remarks recalled similar words from a known politician. This final burst marred the agreement and added to Manker’s known style of making headlines.

The case of Paulus Manker and Anna Werner Friedmann shows how art collaborations can face money fights and personal clashes. It shows how hard it can be to shape public talk when the media is watching. Even though the legal fight is over for now, the strong words hint at a tension that still hides in Vienna’s art scene.