Stefan Holm is suspected of assault following the confrontation with journalist Emil Persson at the Book Fair. At the same time, the former Olympic champion is being praised on social media by people who believe he stood up for himself and his family.
Stefan Holm and Emil Persson met on Saturday evening at a restaurant adjacent to the Gothenburg Book Fair. Witnesses say that Holm put Persson in a chokehold, while Holm himself says he grabbed and shoved him. Persson reported the incident to the police, and a report of assault has been filed, reports SVT.
– I obviously tore his shirt and a few other things. I don't know what constitutes assault, but I suppose that's for the authorities to investigate.
The conflict began on TV in 2018
The background dates back to ”Breaking News” in 2018. At that time, Emil Persson asked a leading question to Patrik Sjöberg whether he would want to murder Stefan Holm if they met in a dark alley in Buenos Aires. The question was then repeated to Holm’s son, who was 14 at the time Melwinhis name. Sjöberg laughed and said no.
Holm says he has felt very upset about the segment over the past eight years. He believes that he and his son should have received an apology and states that he had never met or spoken with Persson before. When they finally met at the Book Fair, Holm says he lost his temper.
– I've felt absolutely terrible about this for eight years.
Praised After the Confrontation
On social media, Holm has received support from people who believe the TV prank crossed a line and that media figures must also be held accountable for what they say in public. Holm has been called a ”hero of the people,” among other things, while others have emphasized that physical violence is never the right course of action.
Many also write that Persson is protected by the media establishment and that distasteful jokes are tolerated by SVT because he has the ”right” values.
The debate also shines a spotlight on responsibility and freedom of speech. The right to express even provocative humor is far-reaching, but freedom of speech does not mean freedom from criticism or responsibility. The alleged physical assault, however, is a separate matter that is now being handled through the legal system.
The Book Fair Cancels Performances
On Sunday, the Book Fair canceled Holm's scheduled events in light of the incident. His wife as well Jessica Eriksson HolmTheir participation was canceled. She states that the decision was made without the organizers first hearing their side of the story and says that she herself did nothing wrong.
At the same time, the Book Fair denies the claim that Jessica Eriksson Holm was formally ”banned.” Stefan Holm has accepted the decision and is now allowing the legal proceedings regarding the alleged assault to proceed.
– I have to respect the Book Fair’s decision.
Emil Persson is a journalist. Has anyone ever won a case against a journalist?? There is NO ”professional group” that enjoys such widespread backing as journalists do. If you accidentally step on a journalist’s toes, you can expect to face criminal charges for assault. Today’s so-called journalists are never held accountable for what they say or write. They think they’re the knights of our time. But there’s one difference: are you from FrihetsNytt?? Then you’re NOT protected.
I think more people should follow Stefan Holm’s example and give a good smack to anyone who insults you… Politically correct journalists need to learn their place. 7—that’s a slap on the wrist!
It reminded me of Robert Aschberg’s awful show *Trolljägarna*… strange that no one gave him a round of applause…
I got a call from a well-known AB journalist, but I swore like a sailor—I was so rude that they couldn't print anything…and since then, no one from AB has called.
I’m older now, of course, but if some politically correct journalist were to ring my doorbell… they’d get a shower of hairspray in the face…—and if they called, they wouldn’t get any comments other than unprintable swear words…😁🤣🤣
Actor Peter Magnusson once tricked Bert Karlsson and got a good slap …but Peter M. isn't the type to run off and cry to the police…
You're absolutely right—today's politically correct journalists are just disgusting scum that you don't want to have anything to do with.