Theo Müller, the founder of the dairy company Müller, has faced legal defeat in a Hamburg court against the campaign organization Campact, which accused him of supporting the far-right Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party. Müller sought a legal injunction to prevent Campact from publicly stating that he supports the AfD, arguing that such claims damaged his reputation. However, the Hamburg District Court ruled against him, viewing the statement as a permissible expression of opinion rather than a factual claim that violated his personal rights.

The court determined that the term 'supporting' could be construed by the average reader as implying a lack of rejection of the party, which, in their view, does not constitute a direct attack on Müller’s personal rights. This ruling highlights the delicate balance between freedom of speech and individual reputation in political discourse, particularly in a highly charged environment where allegations of extremism are prevalent.

Müller's case underscores the ongoing tensions in Germany surrounding political affiliations and public perception, particularly regarding the AfD, a party often associated with far-right ideologies. While Müller maintains his non-alignment with the AfD, the court’s decision illustrates how public statements can have significant implications for individuals in the political arena, effectively allowing organizations like Campact to comment on the political leanings of public figures without legal repercussion, as long as those comments are framed as opinion rather than factual assertions.