Jungle Camp 2026: Gil Ofarim’s Past Scandal Dominates Show as Contestant Faces “Liar” Accusations
COLOGNE, 28 January 2026 – The 2026 season of RTL’s celebrity reality show “Ich bin ein Star – Holt mich hier raus!” (Jungle Camp) has been overshadowed by the controversial past of contestant Gil Ofarim. The 43-year-old singer, who falsely accused a Leipzig hotel of antisemitism in 2021, is facing renewed public scrutiny and direct criticism from fellow campmates over the years-long deception.
The 2021 “Davidstern” Scandal Revisited
The controversy stems from an incident in October 2021, when Ofarim posted a viral video claiming staff at a Leipzig hotel demanded he remove his Star of David necklace before being served. The allegation sparked a major national debate on antisemitism. However, investigations and subsequent court proceedings revealed significant inconsistencies in his account.
Key Facts & Legal Outcome
| Event | Detail |
|---|---|
| Original Allegation | October 2021: Ofarim accused hotel staff of antisemitic discrimination. |
| Legal Admission | 2023: In court, Ofarim admitted he had lied about the central claim of the incident. |
| Current Context | January 2026: Ofarim is a contestant on RTL’s Jungle Camp, discussing his past and facing backlash. |
| Show Reaction | Fellow contestant Ariel has publicly labelled Ofarim a “liar,” creating tension in the camp. |
Jungle Camp Fallout and Personal Confessions
Within the jungle camp, Ofarim’s presence has proven divisive. Reports from the show’s early days describe a “frosty” atmosphere, with fellow contestant Ariel from Basel directly confronting him. Ofarim has used his platform on the show to speak about the severe personal consequences of the scandal, telling RTL he suffered from panic attacks, insomnia, and turned to daily drinking. “I didn’t sleep anymore,” he reported. His participation has been criticised by commentators, with some calling his casting a “misstep.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Gil Ofarim do in 2021?
In October 2021, Gil Ofarim falsely alleged that employees at a Leipzig hotel discriminated against him for wearing a Star of David necklace, a claim he later admitted in court was untrue.
What is happening with Gil Ofarim now in 2026?
As of January 2026, Ofarim is a contestant on the 19th season of RTL’s “Jungle Camp.” His past actions are a major topic of discussion, leading to confrontations with other celebrities and public debate about his role on the show.
Did Gil Ofarim face legal consequences?
Yes. The case went to court, where in 2023 Ofarim admitted to having lied about the key element of his antisemitism accusation. The legal proceedings centred on the false allegation.