RTL cancels sex segment over incest

The new reality series, featured on the private channel, was supposed to have shown how Andreas, 43 and Cathleen, 31 are attempting to spice up their relationship.

Andreas and Cathleen are not only a couple – but half-siblings as they share the same father, according to a story on Friday in the Bild newspaper, which called the couple “the incest pair.”

RTL, in a statement, did not mention the problem, but only said, “Due to very personal information about the main characters that we received just before the programme was to air we have decided, after intensive deliberations, against the planned showing of the programme.”

Bild said according to its information a relative of the couple informed the television station on Wednesday afternoon, after which RTL confronted the couple. At first they denied it, but then said that they didn’t know for a long time that they had the same father.

The two have been in a relationship for nine years.

German law defines incest as a sexual relationship between close relatives – and includes half siblings, the paper said. Incest is punishable by up to three years in prison or a fine.

The show, which airs Wednesdays at 9:15pm, requires couples to have sex every day of the week in an effort to improve their relationship.

Hapless viewers complained about the cancellation, which took place without warning. In fact RTL had run ads promoting the show earlier in the day. It was replaced by a repeat showing of a programme featuring a 63-year-old debt consultant.

RTL said the next instalment of the relationship show would take place this Wednesday. It is unclear how well that segment will do. The show has been criticized and done poorly in the ratings.

The Local/mw