German artists sign open letter against TV show host accused of sexism

Choice of Thilo Mischke, author of Around the World In 80 Women, for ARD's flagship arts show criticised

More than 100 prominent German writers and artists have signed an open letter refusing to appear on one of Germany's top culture programmes on public television after the broadcaster announced a new host who has been accused of sexism and racism in his writing.

ARD said in late December it had picked the author Thilo Mischke, 43, to co-present its flagship culture show, ttt - Titel, Thesen, Temperamente (Titles, Theses, Temperaments), after the programme's veteran host Max Moor stepped aside.