Culcha Candela shocks at the CSD: dispute sparks over sign language interpreters!

Culcha Candela shocks at the CSD: dispute sparks over sign language interpreters!

The performance of the band Culcha Candela at Cologne Pride on July 6, 2025 caused a lot of excitement. The reason? An accusation that spread like wildfire on social media after the event. A crew member of the band is accused of pushing a sign language interpreter off the stage, which put a damper on the otherwise colorful celebration for the organizers and the audience.

Cologne Pride organizers, who are proud that sign language interpreters are part of their inclusive event, expressed concern about the incident. The event's spokesman, Hugo Winkels, explained that they served around 1.1 million people and the incident was considered extremely unfortunate. He speculates that Culcha Candela's production manager may have acted for security reasons. The pressure in such major events should not be underestimated, but this still raises the fundamental question of equal opportunities and accessibility.

A failed appearance and subsequent discussion

The band commented on the allegations in an Instagram story and spoke of a misunderstanding in which an interpreter was “taken out”. They emphasized that it was never their intention to deny anyone access. Nevertheless, criticism did not stop there: many social media users blame the band for the failure of the sign language interpreters. In particular, the fact that there were no interpreters on stage during the entire performance was heavily criticized.

Demands for clarity about responsibility increased. Some commentators placed the blame on the band and even called for financial consequences. Also often remembered are the band's previous controversies that suffered as a result, such as an irreverent remark about a young woman. The incident at Cologne Pride not only awakens old wounds, but also shows once again how important inclusion and accessibility are at public events today.

The role of sign language interpreters

Inclusivity in events is not a trend, but a necessity. Including events attach great importance to including all participants equally. Written and sign language interpreters are crucial to enabling people with different hearing abilities to access information. They bridge the gap between deaf and hearing people and are a key component to the success of any event.

Especially at large celebrations such as Cologne Pride, where the idea of ​​acceptance and equal opportunities is central, the proper involvement of sign language interpreters should become a matter of course. Technical solutions such as live subtitling and video streaming can also be helpful here and take into account the needs of everyone present.

The discussion about Culcha Candela and the incident at Cologne Pride shows how important it is to focus on inclusion in the music and entertainment industry. It remains to be seen how the band and the organizers will position themselves in the future. However, one thing is clear: the voices of the participants must be heard, because there is something important!