The hype around the show’s host
Kivel apologized after making a statement on TV
Updated July 13, 2026 – 12:45 p.m.Reading time: 1 min.
After TV Garden last weekend, accusations of racism against presenter Andrea Kivel became loud. (Archive image) (Source: Sascha Baumann/ZDF/dpa/dpa-bilder)
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The host quickly turns the Japanese card into a Chinese one and says: “Ching Chong Chaang.” Much outrage is now followed by regret.
Leading ZDF “Telesad”, Andrea Kivelapologized for making a statement about Pokemon cards following accusations of racism. “This spontaneous statement was related to the situation on air and was in no way racist in nature,” the Mainz-based broadcaster said. “Andrea Kivel regrets and apologizes for her words.”
“TV Garden” last Sunday was held under the motto “Dance Party of the 90s.” The theme of the show was also the world of Pokemon growing up in the 1990s. The Pokemon boom began with the game’s development in Japan, and the Pokemon empire now includes not only video games, but also TV series and films. Pocket monster cards are collected and sold all over the world.
Two collectors showed Kivel a series of Pokemon cards at the exhibition, including a set of cards in different languages. Looking at the Japanese card, the host said “Chinese” and then “Ching Chong Chaang.” Users on social networks reacted to this with misunderstanding; Kiewel wrote a post about the Telesad problem on Instagram. racism accused.
From their station in Mainz they say: “This is ZDF categorically against any form of racism.”