Is it really illegal to slander ABBA in Sweden?

Question

I saw it on the travel channel, I just want to know if it is for real or just a joke created by the host (Anthony Bourdain)

And if it is for real, what sort of penalty the Swedish authorities would use to discourage such an action?

Answer 1

Of course it´s a JOKE, there is a freedom of speech in Sweden! The statement is actually very naive and if it was meant as a joke, it is not such a good one.

Answer 2

That's just nonsense. ABBA is almost regarded as a national treasure in Sweden but people do slander them in private. How,ever it is illegal to spell ABBA backwards. That just simply will not be tolerated in Swedish society.

Answer 3

Yes.  Therese Alshammar, a famous model, was drafted into competing in the Swedish Olympic swimming team a few years ago as a community-service punishment for saying that ABBA were 'talentless'.  

Has Blix was sent to Iraq looking for dangerous weapons of mass destruction for saying that Anni-Frid "could do a lot better than a jackass like Benny Anderson."  Fortunately for Hans, there were no WMD to be found; if there were, he'd have to eat them.

Answer 4

lol nonesense  

Answer 5

It's not illegal to slander anyone, but it is civilly actionable and can cost you big if you get sued and lose.