German Social Media User Deletes Account After Backlash Over Past Posts

A German social media user who posted under the handle @FreddyLA7 gained attention for documenting a road trip across the United States focused on chain stores, gas stations, and other everyday sites. The account holder, who said he was a student in his 20s from Hamburg, received hotel stays and other gestures from public figures during the trip.

On Monday night, Germany lost to Paraguay in a World Cup match, after which the user faced online criticism.

A separate post defending a livestreamer who used a racial slur while singing rap lyrics also circulated. The account was deleted overnight. A follow-up statement appeared on Instagram, though its full text was not quoted in available reports.

The user had previously told a German newspaper he was studying media management and asked that his full name remain private to avoid crowds during travel. Receipts posted earlier showed the first name Frederik. Spokespeople for the mayor of Houston and the Houston Police Department confirmed the account holder was a real person but provided no further details.

Representatives for several public figures who interacted with the traveler did not respond to requests for comment.

Some users expressed sympathy after the World Cup loss, while others questioned the authenticity of the posts. The account had avoided monetization offers and declined a reported White House invitation. By the following morning, another German user posting under the name Fiago began sharing similar content about American locations and products.