The television broadcaster Sat.1 has decided not to air the new show by comedian Luke Mockridge "What's in the Box?" as planned on September 12. The reason for this decision is Mockridge's derisive remarks about para-athletes, which he made in a podcast. These statements have caused great outrage and, according to Sat.1, are contrary to the values of the broadcaster.

The statements about disabled people and para-athletes, which have rightly outraged many people, do not align with our values," a spokesperson for Sat.1 stated. Although Mockridge quickly recognized his mistake and publicly apologized, the broadcaster decided not to air the show for the time being.

In the podcast "The Germans," which was already published in mid-August, Mockridge mocked the athletes of the Paralympic Games in Paris. "There are people without legs and arms, they are thrown into a pool - and whoever drowns last, well, they have won," he said. After sharp criticism, Mockridge backpedaled and publicly apologized on Instagram to the affected athletes.

The German Disabled Sports Association (DBS) responded to the comedian's comments and invited him to experience para-sports live. Mockridge accepted the invitation and stated that he looked forward to learning from this change in perspective.

Prominent athletes like wheelchair athlete Kristina Vogel and shot put world champion Niko Kappel expressed outrage over the comedian's statements. "Such degrading remarks are absolutely unacceptable and deserve strong condemnation," stated Özcan Mutlu, president of the Berlin Disabled and Rehabilitation Sports Association, calling for an apology from Mockridge.