A former popular singer faced financial devastation following a conviction for making a controversial gesture on stage. Melanie Mueller, a German artist, sought to overturn her conviction to salvage her reputation but was unsuccessful in Leipzig Regional Court.
Mueller described a significant financial crisis, relying on family support and facing potential loss of her home due to mounting debts. Despite her denial of performing Hitler salutes during her shows, the court upheld the ruling that she repeatedly made such gestures at a concert in September 2022, inciting disturbing responses from the audience.
Following the court’s decision, Mueller’s career suffered a severe setback with a substantial decline in bookings across Europe. While the financial penalty was reduced on appeal, the conviction stood, leading to daily fines of £43 totaling around £3,000 due to her limited income.
Despite pleading for a complete acquittal, Mueller expressed the irreversible damage caused by the legal proceedings, estimating a loss of approximately £345,000. She acknowledged owing significant amounts to tax authorities and other creditors, with her house in Leipzig facing forced auction.
Mueller’s troubles escalated with a drug possession charge after authorities discovered controlled substances in her residence. She disclosed financial strain exacerbated by lack of support from her ex-husband, with whom she shares custody of her two children.
Maintaining her innocence, Mueller insisted that the gestures were part of her performance routine, but the court dismissed her explanation. Currently employed in event planning for a camping and catering company, she highlighted the drastic decline in her music career, earning only meager amounts from streaming services in recent years.