The History Podcast The Hitler Diaries Scandal: 9. The Trial
Sep 21, 2026
Konrad Kujau’s flight ends with a police raid, while the Hitler Diaries scandal reaches court. Witnesses expose the forger’s methods, reputations collapse, convictions follow, and millions of Deutschmarks vanish. The story then moves into Nazi memorabilia’s shadowy collector networks, the disturbing power of its symbols, and Kujau’s transformation from criminal into celebrity.
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Kujau Escapes With His Wife And Mistress
- Konrad Kujau fled Germany with his wife and mistress after authorities began uncovering the forgery.
- He hid with Maria’s family in Austria for roughly a week before surrendering at the border.
Stern Lost Its Reputation Before Its Money
- Stern’s greatest damage was reputational rather than financial, destroying trust in the magazine and forcing editorial resignations.
- Executives largely survived while journalists and editors absorbed the public blame.
Heidemann Paid For Believing The Diaries
- Gerd Heidemann defended himself by saying he trusted the source and believed the diaries were genuine.
- After losing his job, he spent three years unemployed, isolated, and ill while people mocked him.
