Collien Fernandes Opens Up About Emotional Toll Before and After Legal Action Against Ex-Husband

German actress and TV personality Collien Fernandes has spoken publicly about the emotional and physical toll of her public accusations against ex-partner Christian Ulmen, describing how the campaign against digital violence has left her exhausted and questioning whether to continue.

In a message shared on Instagram following a solidarity rally in Berlin on March 22, 2026, Fernandes said she felt better before filing the police report against Ulmen than she does now. She described the mental and physical strain of her advocacy work, stating that it had taken its toll to the point of exhaustion and thoughts of giving up.

Despite the personal cost, Fernandes emphasized that the fight for better victim protection must continue. She expressed gratitude for the widespread support she has received since making her allegations public, particularly highlighting the solidarity demonstrated at the Berlin rally, which gave her renewed strength to persist in her campaign.

The allegations against Ulmen, which Fernandes made public in March 2026, include claims that he created fake profiles, distributed fabricated pornographic images of her online, and engaged in degrading digital behavior. Fernandes filed a police report accusing Ulmen of multiple offenses, including public insult and threats.

Ulmen has legally denied the accusations, with his lawyer stating that the presumption of innocence applies and indicating plans to pursue legal action against media outlets for defamation. The case has sparked national debate in Germany over digital violence and prompted discussions about legal reforms to better protect victims of online abuse.

Fernandes previously spoke at a large demonstration in Hamburg on March 26, 2026, where she addressed approximately 17,000 attendees despite having received murder threats beforehand. Wearing a bulletproof vest and under security protection, she spoke about the underestimated emotional impact of such threats and urged perpetrators to take responsibility for their actions.

The Hamburg demonstration, which also featured climate activist Luisa Neubauer, aimed to raise awareness about sexualized violence against women and advocate for stronger legal protections. Fernandes used the platform to encourage victims to break their silence and called for systemic changes to address digital violence more effectively.

Her advocacy has drawn attention to what she and supporters describe as a growing problem of non-consensual deepfake pornography and online harassment targeting women in the public eye. The case has contributed to broader conversations in German media and politics about the need for updated legislation to combat digital sexual violence.

As of April 2026, Fernandes continues to balance her public campaign with personal well-being, acknowledging the difficulty of sustaining such work while navigating the legal and emotional aftermath of her public accusations.