– Infidelity trial: Not guilty verdict for reality TV personality Topperwien
Chris Töpperwien was found not guilty of any illegal gain by an Austrian court. The businessman, known for his television appearances on shows such as “Goodbye Germany! – The Emigrants” and “I’m a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!”, was implicated in charges of embezzlement and breach of trust.
Töpperwien, who gained fame in the United States as the “currywurst man” through his television appearances as an expatriate and running a currywurst food truck, was accused by the prosecution of using company funds for personal gain and involving employees in personal affairs. He was also involved in the theft of items such as knives, grill seasoning and charcoal.
Töpperwien expresses joy
“It is not a question of whether he consistently acted ethically or whether he made accounting errors, but whether there was a criminal intent,” the judge said, according to the Austrian Press Agency (APA). No evidence was presented against Töpperwien to prove intent to harm or unlawful enrichment. When there is uncertainty, the advantage goes to the accused.
“I am delighted with the acquittal,” Töpperwien said. “Justice has triumphed,” he said. The entrepreneur left the courtroom in tears. “It was the most difficult situation of my life, and I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy,” he said. “It was a nightmare, and now it’s finally over.” The acquittal is not yet final.
Töpperwien’s joy was heightened by the announcement of its complete [Exonération de l’accusé]because no evidence of criminal intent was found against him. Prosecutors had accused him of using company funds for personal gain, but the evidence did not support their allegations.
