ZDF's Cathy Hummels confronted with intense disapproval
In the world of mental health advocacy, a surprising controversy has arisen surrounding Cathy Hummels, who has been chosen as the moderator for the upcoming Mental Health Summit Award in Munich on September 18, 2025.
Cathy Hummels, known for her roles as an entrepreneur, influencer, and moderator, has faced criticism from some quarters for her past actions. This criticism has been fuelled by her offering of a luxurious yoga retreat for a high price, which was linked with therapies against depression.
Nicole Diekmann, a German journalist and ZDF correspondent, has been vocal in her criticism of Hummels' decision. Diekmann, who has worked at ZDF headquarters since 2015, expressed her surprise at Hummels being chosen as the moderator for the prestigious event.
Some social media users have agreed with Diekmann's criticism, questioning the seriousness of the event and the Burda publishing house, organisers of the Mental Health Summit Award. One user even described the event as a "slap in the face" for those in treatment for mental health issues.
Another user expressed concern about the money-making machine around mental health, suggesting that it may not be good for mental health. This sentiment was echoed by others who felt that the event may be more about promoting Hummels than promoting mental health.
However, Hummels' management has stated that she is delighted to moderate the Mental Health Summit Award and receives much support for this. They have also asked for understanding regarding her unavailability for statements on Diekmann's assessment.
The Mental Health Summit Award aims to honour companies that have implemented exemplary measures to promote mental health in the workplace. It is set to be a significant event in the mental health advocacy calendar, and the controversy surrounding Hummels' moderation has cast a shadow over its intentions.
As of now, Hummels' response to the criticism has not been made public, and searches for information regarding her comments or reactions related to this event have not returned any relevant content. It remains to be seen how this controversy will unfold in the coming weeks leading up to the Mental Health Summit Award.
- Critics, including Nicole Diekmann, have raised questions about Cathy Hummels' suitability to moderate the Mental Health Summit Award due to her past actions, such as offering expensive yoga retreats linked with depression therapies.
- Some social media users have express concerns that the Mental Health Summit Award, organized by the Burda publishing house, may be more about promoting Cathy Hummels than promoting mental health, and criticized it as a "slap in the face" for those in treatment for mental health issues.
- Celebrities, appearing as keynote speakers or future attendees of the Mental Health Summit Award, may want to consider the controversy surrounding its moderator, Cathy Hummels, and its potential mix of mental health advocacy and entertainments as they decide whether to participate in the event.
