TV 2 reports threats against prank show participants and families

Participants in TV 2’s now-removed prank show Alle elsker Rasmus and their families have received hate messages and direct threats, the broadcaster told DR.

TV 2 content director Ulla Pors said the abuse had reached a level no one should have to face. The broadcaster said it was making crisis support and help with handling threats available to participants and others involved in the production.

The show involved 149 people in a prank on comedian Rasmus Wallbridge. He was led to believe he was realising his dream of making a feature film, then told after four months that the project was a joke and everyone on set had been acting. The prank was filmed with hidden cameras.

After the episodes were released last week, several commentators and comedians described the concept as adult bullying. Actors and other participants have faced criticism on social media and Reddit, particularly after posting apologies for taking part. Martin Johannes Larsen, Wallbridge’s friend who led the prank, has also received many critical comments and has withdrawn as host of TV 2’s upcoming programme Nytårsfesten.

Journalist and podcast host Lissa Paustian said the debate had taken on “some extreme proportions” and questioned whether ongoing public shaming would help the media industry learn from the case.

TV 2 has said it is responsible for the programme and the conditions under which participants acted, and that responsibility should not be placed on Larsen or the other participants.