Heino: German Singer Sues Far-Right AfD for Unauthorized Use of Name

German singer Heino (Heinz Georg Kramm), known for his folk music, has filed a lawsuit against the far-right AfD party, seeking €250,000 in damages.

The 87-year-old artist claims that his name and one of his songs were used without permission in an AfD election campaign. This move is noteworthy, given that Heino has occasionally been accused of far-right sympathies due to his use of Nazi-era rhetoric and performances in South Africa during the Apartheid era.

Heino, who has sold over 50 million records, is known for his blond hair and dark sunglasses, which he has worn since the 1970s due to a health condition. In 2013, he made a comeback with covers of rock and hip-hop songs.

Despite his efforts to distance himself from politics, Heino has faced criticism for his past. He has stated that those who criticize him are simply jealous of his success.