Greenland mayor issues warning after US flag stunt
German comedian Maxi Schafroth attempted to hoist the flag in Nuuk, then claimed to be a US official when confronted by angry locals
The mayor of Greenland’s capital on Thursday called on media professionals and content creators to act responsibly after a failed attempt by a German comedian to hoist the US flag.
Bavarian comedian Maxi Schafroth, 41, attempted to run up the Stars and Stripes on a flagpole near the cultural centre in Nuuk before he was confronted by angry passers-by.
When questioned, he claimed to be a US official before leaving to disapproving looks from locals, according to a journalist at the scene.
He was reported to the police and fined, local media said.
Avaaraq Olsen, mayor of Kommuneqarfik Sermersooq district, which includes the capital, was outraged.
“Raising a flag at our capital cultural centre, the flag of a military superpower that for weeks has been implying military force against our country, is not a joke,” she said in a statement. “It is not funny. It is immensely harmful.”