Jerome Boateng’s Bayern Munich Reunion Off Following Outrage Over Assault Past

A planned coaching internship for Jerome Boateng at Bayern Munich has been called off following significant backlash regarding his past conviction for assaulting his former partner. The former Bayern Munich star, 37, had discussed the possibility of a short-term internship with Bayern's coach Vincent Kompany, a former teammate, but the idea sparked considerable controversy among fans.

Boateng, who played for Bayern Munich from 2011 to 2021, was found guilty in 2024 of causing bodily harm to his former partner. The charges stemmed from an incident in July 2018, during a vacation in the Turks and Caicos Islands, where he was accused of assaulting Sherin Senler, the mother of his twin daughters.

Initially, in September 2021, Boateng was found guilty of domestic violence and ordered to pay a fine of 1.8 million euros. In November 2022, this conviction was overturned due to legal errors, and a retrial was ordered. The retrial concluded with Boateng receiving a suspended fine and a warning. Judge Susanne Hemmerich also stipulated that Boateng pay 50,000 euros each to two children's charities as part of his sentence.

The news of Boateng's potential return to Bayern Munich as an intern ignited a firestorm of criticism. An online petition titled "Setting borders against misogynistic violence: Jerome Boateng should not be allowed back to Bayern Munich" garnered thousands of signatures. Critics argued that allowing Boateng to return to the club would send the wrong message and undermine efforts to combat violence against women.

Adding to the complexity, Boateng also faces allegations of assault against another former girlfriend, Kasia Lenhardt, in 2019. The investigation into these allegations was initially closed in 2020 after Lenhardt decided not to provide further incriminating statements. However, the investigation was reopened following Lenhardt's death in February 2021, after authorities received new information. Lenhardt, a model, was found dead in a Berlin apartment, with police finding no evidence of outside involvement.

Amidst the growing public outcry, Boateng announced his decision to withdraw from the planned internship. In a social media post addressed to Bayern and Kompany, Boateng stated that he would focus on other issues, such as obtaining his A training license. He expressed gratitude to the club's leadership and to Kompany for the opportunity.

Bayern Munich has not officially commented on the situation. However, Kompany had previously stated that he would be happy for Boateng to return.

This decision marks a significant turn of events, highlighting the sensitivity surrounding Boateng's past and the strong opposition to his return from a segment of Bayern Munich's fanbase. It also underscores the ongoing scrutiny faced by public figures accused of domestic violence, and the potential impact on their careers and public image.

Boateng retired from professional soccer last month, after his contract with Austrian side LASK Linz was terminated by mutual consent in August. During his career, he played 76 games for Germany, winning the World Cup in 2014, and also played for Manchester City.