German pop singer Melanie Mueller has failed in a desperate appeal to overturn her conviction for performing Heil Hitler salutes during a concert, leaving her reputation shattered and claiming financial devastation.
Court Rejects Stage Act Defence
The Leipzig Regional Court in Germany upheld the original verdict against Mueller on 15 January 2026. Judges ruled that during a concert in September 2022, she repeatedly raised her right arm in the banned Nazi gesture.
Prosecutors detailed that dark chants of "Heil" erupted from the audience after Mueller shouted "Zickezacke", prompting a call-and-response of "Heil, Heil, Heil". Mueller consistently denied deliberately making a Nazi salute, arguing the movement was part of her stage routine, but the court rejected this explanation.
Financial Penalty and Personal Collapse
While the appeal court reduced her financial penalty, it refused to acquit her. Judge Karen Aust imposed 70 daily fines of £43, totalling approximately £3,000, citing Mueller's now low income.
In emotional testimony, Mueller described a "dramatic" financial collapse. She told the court she is drowning in debt, living off family support, and faces the forced sale of her home in Leipzig. She admitted owing around £129,000 to tax authorities and a further £35,000 to other creditors.
"Even in the worst case, I lost around £345,000 net," Mueller stated, blaming the conviction for destroying her career. Once a regular performer across Europe, her bookings have totally dried up. She revealed that streaming platforms brought her just £43 in the entire year of 2025.
Widening Legal Troubles and Current Life
Mueller's legal problems expanded after a police search of her flat in August 2023, where officers found 0.69 grams of a cocaine mixture and one ecstasy tablet, leading to a separate drug possession charge.
She also told the court she receives no maintenance from her ex-husband, with whom she shares custody of their two children, aged six and eight. Mueller now works in event planning for a camping and catering company, earning about £1,300 per month.
The verdict is not yet legally final, but Mueller insisted the damage to her life and career is already irreparable.
