The followers of the QAnon cult revere Donald Trump as a savior and redeemer. “Lion Media” is one of the largest channels in the German-speaking conspiracy scene, boasting more than 140,000 followers on Telegram. But who is behind this channel?
For those who believe in the conspiracy, former US President Donald Trump is their messiah—a savior supposedly set to rid the world of evil, including alleged pedophilic elites and shadowy cabals controlling global politics. They viewed the failed assassination attempt on Trump in mid-July as part of this grand conspiracy encapsulated by QAnon, a bizarre cult some describe as an internet sect that emerged during Trump’s first term.
Investigations by WDR revealed that behind some of the most influential social media channels in the conspiracy scene is a young German man, Leonard Z., in his mid-20s, who has become one of the most significant influencers in the QAnon scene. He has also monetized his involvement with the conspiracy myth.
Leonard Z. reportedly began uploading videos in November 2018, featuring a young man speaking in a monotonous tone over footage of the Yellow Vest protests in France. Five years later, his “Lion Media” channel has a substantial following: 140,000 on Telegram and over 180,000 subscribers on YouTube. Despite multiple requests for comment from WDR, Leonard Z. has not responded.
“Globalists”, “Deep State” and “planned climate catastrophe”
Who is behind this conspiracy channel? According to WDR, Leonard Z. attended school near Frankfurt and describes himself as a journalist. In one video, he states, “I am not a trained journalist or politician, but a young man who loves his homeland and shares his search for the truth with all of you.”
In his videos, Leonard Z. spreads numerous conspiracy theories, often identified by security agencies as part of the QAnon ideology. He talks about “globalists,” the “deep state,” a “planned climate catastrophe,” “vaccine enslavement,” and an alleged “world government.” Many of these terms, as noted in reports by the Office for the Protection of the Constitution, contain antisemitic undertones.
QAnon – The secret elite that rules the world?
The Office for the Protection of the Constitution describes QAnon as an online subculture that disseminates conspiracy theories linked to antisemitism, right-wing extremism, and efforts to delegitimize the state. The Federal Agency for Civic Education notes that antisemitic patterns in QAnon include false claims about the Rothschild banking family as part of a “world-ruling elite.” The myth found its way into German social networks by 2018, originating from anonymous internet postings by someone known as “Q,” who claimed to be a high-ranking government official with access to secret knowledge.
QAnon adherents participated in the violent storming of the US Capitol in Washington D.C. on January 6, 2021. Globally, followers have appeared at protests against COVID-19 measures, including in Germany. Investigators found that the QAnon ideology played a significant role in the so-called “Group Reuß,” whose alleged members face charges of founding a terrorist organization and plotting high treason against the state.
Though QAnon has faded somewhat from public view in recent years, the ideology has persisted and solidified, partly thanks to online channels like “Lion Media.” Josef Holnburger, a political scientist at the Center for Monitoring, Analysis, and Strategy (CeMAS), believes the QAnon ideology remains dangerous and warns against underestimating it. He explains that adherents often discuss violent fantasies against political opponents and interpret major events, wars, and disasters as secret plans by a global elite. Some followers might be motivated by certain events to commit acts of violence, Holnburger notes.
Trump, Putin, and propaganda
When the QAnon ideology emerged, Leonard Z. was completing his voluntary service in Hesse. Former colleagues recall that he watched many videos and took notes for his YouTube channel, giving the impression that he was deeply engaged with US politics.
Since then, over 400 videos have appeared on his Telegram channel. The myth of the allegedly stolen election, propagated by Trump and his team following his loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 presidential election, frequently features in these videos.
A former acquaintance of Leonard Z. told WDR that he considers both Trump and Putin to be saviors. Indeed, “Lion Media” disseminates pro-Russian propaganda, portraying Putin in a similar savior role. Video titles include “How Putin controls the chancellor,” “How Putin brings Europe to its knees,” and “How Russia will win against the West.” Leonard Z. ends his videos by thanking his community and soliciting donations, including via cryptocurrency, though his earnings are unknown.
Thriving on the conspiracy myth
The business of conspiracy theories appears lucrative, as Leonard Z. founded a company, Loewenherz Media, in 2022. The company is registered in Florida at an address that can seemingly be purchased online without a physical presence. It is unclear if this applies to Leonard Z.’s company or what the firm’s actual purpose is, including potential tax reasons. Leonard Z. has not responded to any inquiries about this or other matters.
