RTL seeks over €500,000 in damages from Murat Çolak after filming incident

RTL has filed a claim exceeding €500,000 against Murat Çolak, known in Germany as the “Bone Breaker,” following a production incident in 2024 that resulted in the immediate halt of filming and the end of their cooperation. The case has entered the public domain after internal documents and media reports described the alleged breach of contractual obligations — as reported by NT24, citing Renewz.de.

Incident during filming led to production shutdown

According to multiple German media reports, the conflict dates back to a filming day in 2024 when a female RTL editor, identified as Lisa W., visited Çolak’s animal clinic. During a break, Çolak allegedly placed his hands on her neck and performed a sudden chiropractic movement. The editor later sought medical attention, where doctors diagnosed cervical strain.

RTL classified the event as a serious violation of contractual terms and stopped production immediately. The second season of the format was not continued.

Criminal investigation closed with financial settlement

Prosecutors opened an investigation on suspicion of negligent bodily harm. The case was later closed after Çolak made two payments: €1,500 to the editor and an additional €3,500 to a charity.

The closure of the criminal case, however, did not resolve the financial consequences for RTL, which stated that the sudden production halt led to substantial operational losses.

RTL files a €505,645 compensation claim

RTL submitted a formal claim seeking €505,645 in damages, referencing cancelled shooting days, unused production resources and pre-arranged expenses that could not be recovered.

Çolak has rejected the claim through his legal representative. He argues that the financial demands are unfounded and has filed a counterclaim of €180,000 for work he says was already completed and must be compensated.

Both parties accuse each other of breaching the contract

The dispute intensified as both sides presented opposing interpretations of their contractual obligations.

• RTL attributes the loss directly to Çolak’s actions.
• Çolak alleges that RTL failed to meet commitments owed to him.

RTL has declared the collaboration permanently terminated. Çolak has not issued a detailed public statement regarding the ongoing legal process.

Case highlights the risks in media production

Although the dispute remains based solely on documented events and media reporting, the case underscores how quickly safety concerns, liability questions and financial risks can escalate within television production environments.

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