There has just been an update in the case regarding TV2's hidden recordings at the Helgstrand Dressage stud, which means the case is moving to the next phase. It was decided in the Court in Aalborg on Monday morning that the media conglomerate TV2 is allowed to show hidden recordings from top rider Andreas Helgstrand's famous company, Helgstrand Dressage in North Jutland. However, Helgstrand is appealing the case.
It was announced on June 15, 2023, that TV2 had employed a journalist as a horse keeper at Helgstrand Dressage, who observed the daily routine in the stables and the riding arenas at the stud in Uggerhalne in North Jutland. The person was employed for a month and gathered material that will be published in a TV program in the fall. All employees and other participants in the material will be blurred for anonymity in the final broadcasts, TV2 informs.
To this, owner and Olympic rider Andreas Helgstrand stated in their press release:
"I and we do not know what the agent has recorded with his hidden camera, as TV2 has not wanted to share the recordings made with the hidden camera with us without censorship."
Andreas Helgstrand subsequently filed a lawsuit against TV2 to obtain a prohibition against the TV station showing the recordings on their channel in the fall in the program Operation X, and also reported involved employees to the police.
The verdict on Monday morning determines that TV2 is allowed to show the hidden recordings in the program and that Helgstrand Dressage must pay the legal costs of 30,000 kr. Helgstrand has released a press release on their website, stating that they are bringing the Court in Aalborg's decision to the High Court. Therefore, it is not yet final to assess what the outcome will be before the High Court handles the case.
The popular Danish TV program Operation X is a documentary program that, with host Morten Spiegelhauer, seeks - via hidden camera - to uncover various types and characters of illegalities that may occur around Denmark. Controversially, Operation X has occasionally been accused of using illegal methods to expose accused individuals and companies.
Andreas Helgstrand has stated in a press release that he does not support TV2's choice of method, and he does not want a edited reality to be created from the material.
It has not yet been revealed when the program will be broadcast on the channel in Danish living rooms.
The editorial team sought a comment from Helgstrand.