Gil Ofarim (born 1982) is a German singer, songwriter and actor. He first became known as a teen idol after a 1997 hit single and later moved toward pop rock. He is also known as the lead singer of the bands Zoo Army and Acht, and he has appeared in films, television series and music competitions. In 2021 he drew wide attention for a claim of antisemitic treatment at a Leipzig hotel, which later led to criminal charges against him for libel and false suspicion.
Music and acting career
Ofarim was discovered in a Munich underground station in 1997 and signed with BMG after a magazine feature drew many fan letters. He later grew tired of his teen idol image and recorded more adult-oriented pop rock. He also acted in films and television, including a coming-of-age film in 2004 and a supporting role in a 2006 television drama. He joined the rock band Zoo Army, which included his brother Tal, and later formed the band Acht. He took part in The Voice of Germany in 2012 and won Let's Dance in 2017.
Hotel controversy
In October 2021 Ofarim posted a video accusing a Leipzig hotel of antisemitic treatment during check-in. Witnesses and closed-circuit footage contradicted his account, and five witnesses told police he had used insults and threats against the hotel. In March 2022 prosecutors discontinued proceedings against the hotel manager and charged Ofarim with libel and false suspicion.