German actor and comedian Christian Ulmen faces criminal charges after his ex-wife accused him of creating and distributing AI-generated nude photos and videos of her without consent. Collien Fernandes, a prominent German TV presenter and actress, filed the complaint in Spain on Friday, alleging a systematic campaign of digital abuse that lasted throughout their marriage.
Fernandes made her allegations public in an Instagram post following a detailed investigation published Thursday in German newsmagazine Der Spiegel. The criminal complaint, filed at the Palma District Court where the couple maintains a second residence, accuses Ulmen of creating deepfake pornographic content and distributing it to men in the German entertainment industry.
The accusations represent Germany's first high-profile revenge porn case involving AI-generated content, highlighting gaps in legal protections against digital abuse. Fernandes alleges the abuse spanned a decade, during which Ulmen created fake social media profiles in her name to contact men and share pornographic images.
Ulmen, known for his roles in hit series Jerks and crime procedural Tatort, as well as films including Berlin Blues (2003), has denied all charges through his lawyer. A media law firm representing Ulmen called the Der Spiegel report "unlawful" and accused it of disseminating "untrue facts" based on a "one-sided account."
The case has already triggered industry consequences. German commercial network Pro7 immediately pulled all episodes of Ulmen's series Jerks from its streaming platform Joyn. Public broadcaster ARD has not yet removed Ulmen's Tatort episodes from its on-demand service.
Fernandes had been aware of fake content circulating online for years but initially didn't know its source. In late 2024, she hosted a TV program called "The Hunt for the Perpetrator" that attempted to identify who was behind her fake social media profiles. She claims it was only after the program aired that she discovered her husband was responsible.
The Spanish investigation remains in early stages, and Ulmen has not been formally charged. The Department for Violence Against Women at the Palma District Court confirmed that Fernandes' complaint includes allegations of repeated threats, abuse, identity theft, violation of privacy, and public insult.
Fernandes and Ulmen were considered one of Germany's most prominent celebrity couples before their separation last year. They announced their divorce earlier this month and share a daughter together. Fernandes has built her career as both an actress, appearing in German comedies like Night of the Living Dorks (2004) and Ossi's Eleven (2007), and as a television presenter.
The case arrives as European lawmakers grapple with regulating AI-generated content and protecting victims of image-based sexual abuse. While some countries have strengthened revenge porn laws, the rapid advancement of deepfake technology has outpaced legal frameworks designed to address digital harassment.
Legal experts note that prosecuting AI-generated revenge porn presents unique challenges, particularly in establishing the authenticity of evidence and proving intent to harm. The cross-border nature of digital distribution further complicates enforcement efforts.
- Spain's criminal code includes provisions against identity theft and privacy violations
- The case could set precedent for prosecuting AI-generated revenge porn in Europe
- Germany lacks comprehensive deepfake-specific legislation
The entertainment industry's swift response suggests growing awareness of the reputational and legal risks associated with digital abuse allegations. As AI technology becomes more accessible and sophisticated, cases like this may force lawmakers to develop more robust protections against technologically-enabled harassment.