According to German news outlet t-online, which cited the show’s production company, Greenland authorities fined Schafroth over the stunt. Media reports said witnesses claimed he had posed as a U.S. official. In a video circulating on social media, Schafroth can be seen wearing a suit and being confronted by locals, one of whom tells him what he is doing is illegal.
“You’re right,” Schafroth replies, adding: “I wanted to make a deal, but it didn’t work. I’m sorry.”
Local residents didn’t appear amused. At the end of the video one person can be heard calling Schafroth “a rude comedian.”
POLITICO contacted Schafroth for comment but did not receive a reply by publication time.
Olsen said raising the flag of a military superpower that has “for weeks been implying military force against our country” was no joke. “It’s not funny. It is immensely harmful,” she added. “Cultural differences in humor do not excuse behavior that frightens people or undermines their sense of safety. Intent does not outweigh impact.”
NDR told German media that Greenlanders hadn’t been the target of the satire and expressed regret.
POLITICO contacted NDR for comment but did not immediately receive an answer.