
Hertha (foto: uradna spletna stran kluba)
Hertha BSC leaves X due to increasing radicalization and lack of moderation of hate speech, emphasizing its commitment to diversity and tolerance by joining Bluesky.
Hertha BSC, the Berlin-based second-division football club, has announced it will no longer use the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). Instead, the club has opted to shift its presence to Bluesky, citing increasing radicalization on X as the driving factor behind this decision.
The decision, described as "unavoidable," was made jointly by Hertha's management and executive board. Thomas E. Herrich, the club's managing director, explained:
"We cannot ignore a platform where, under the guise of free speech, hate against minorities, far-right content, antisemitic conspiracy theories, and racist slurs are no longer moderated. Furthermore, these views are actively promoted by the platform's owner. It is becoming increasingly radicalized."
Herrich emphasized that continuing to use the platform would contradict the club's commitment to diversity and tolerance. He also noted that Hertha would monitor developments on other social media platforms to ensure their alignment with the club's values.
Hertha BSC President Fabian Drescher echoed this sentiment, stating:
"Our mission is to bring people together. Unfortunately, X has shown a growing trend towards polarizing extremes and excluding groups of people. This is in direct conflict with our values, which is why we fully support this decision."
Hertha joins a growing list of sports organizations leaving X, including Bundesliga clubs Werder Bremen, FC St. Pauli, and third-division teams like Hansa Rostock and Arminia Bielefeld. Other sports organizations, such as the German Ski Federation, German Table Tennis Association, and German Volleyball Association, have also stopped using the platform in response to its controversial direction under owner Elon Musk, who acquired it in late 2022.
Before leaving X, Hertha BSC had close to 400,000 followers and managed multiple accounts, including those for its youth and women's teams. The club had informed its sponsors and partners of the decision ahead of time.
Hertha BSC’s departure marks another instance of sports organizations taking a principled stand against platforms that fail to moderate harmful content. The move also underscores the club's ongoing dedication to promoting inclusivity, tolerance, and unity both on and off the pitch.