Following disagreements over a discussion of her latest book, author Ildikó von Kürthy has declined a public reconciliation with ARD literary critic Denis Scheck. When asked if she would publicly make peace with Scheck, Kürthy told the NOZ: “It has crossed my mind, but this entire debate has cost me so much energy because I had to read so much rubbish about me-and incidentally, about him-that I don’t want to engage further.” The conflict began in Spring 2026 when Scheck heavily criticized Kürthy’s work, “Alt genug,” during his program “Druckfrisch,” triggering a nationwide debate about sexism.
Von Kürthy insists that it is appropriate to apply different standards when addressing violence committed by men versus women. Speaking to the NOZ, she stated that this approach is justified because female violence is rarer and less likely to be fatal. Nevertheless, she acknowledges that acts of destruction, such as throwing plates or smashing doors, are wrong regardless of the perpetrator’s gender.
In response to a question about Scheck calling her a “menopause dwarf hen,” a term she uses to describe herself in her book, the author replied that he could essentially say almost anything, viewing it as freedom of opinion. She only pointed out that she found one of his sentences to be misogynistic-a phrase he was entitled to use, just as she is entitled to defend herself against it. She felt the sexism debate that arose from the situation had completely overwhelmed her.
She firmly rejected the suggestion, put forth by Elke Heidenreich, that Scheck’s program “Druckfrisch” should be cancelled. Kürthy believes having more literary programs is a positive thing, and if a critic feels the need to be strong to attract viewers, he should do so. She stressed that she has the right to defend herself. While she was relieved that Scheck’s next review of the bestseller list reiterated his sharp criticism of her book but avoided further escalating the sexism debate, she noted that the entire topic had nonetheless been inflamed, largely because algorithmic systems reward dramatic and vulgar confrontations.
