In a strange and politically charged act of vandalism, a prominent statue of legendary actress and singer Marlene Dietrich in Berlin has been defaced. The monument was splattered with red paint and adorned with a placard that bizarrely attempted to link the screen icon to the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The incident, which occurred near the film star's birthplace, has been condemned by local authorities and is now the subject of an active police investigation.
The Bizarre Accusation
Attached to the vandalised statue was a sign written in German that read, 'The biggest criminal in human history.' This was followed by a direct and unfounded accusation: 'China's Communist Party - Covid-19.' The message attempts to place blame for the global pandemic squarely on China, using the memorial to the late Hollywood star as an unlikely canvas for this political protest.
The use of red paint is seen as a highly symbolic act, potentially chosen for its association with the flag of the People's Republic of China.
Who Was Marlene Dietrich?
The choice of target is perplexing to historians and fans alike. Marlene Dietrich was a Berlin-born actress who rose to international fame in the 1930s. She became an American citizen and was a staunch critic of the Nazi regime, famously entertaining Allied troops during World War II.
She has no known connection to modern Chinese politics or virology, making the vandalism seem random and misinformed. A local cultural official succinctly summed up the confusion, stating, "The message makes no sense. Dietrich has nothing to do with China or the coronavirus."
Police Response and Clean-Up
Berlin police have confirmed they are treating the incident as a case of property damage. The statue, a popular tourist attraction, was promptly cleaned by city maintenance workers, restoring it to its previous state. However, the search for the individuals responsible remains ongoing.
This event highlights how public monuments can become unexpected targets for voicing broader global grievances and political frustrations, however misplaced they may be.
