The Hitler Diaries Scandal refers to the 1983 publication of forged diaries purported to be written by Adolf Hitler, and David Irving's subsequent involvement in examining and commenting on the fraud. The scandal involved a West German newspaper, Die Zeit, publishing excerpts from the diaries, which were later revealed to be elaborate forgeries. Irving’s scrutiny of the documents and his conclusions about their authenticity became a point of contention.
The diaries were presented as a major historical discovery, promising unprecedented insight into Hitler's life and thoughts. Die Zeit purchased the rights to publish them, leading to widespread media coverage and significant public excitement. The diaries were initially authenticated by handwriting experts, but doubts soon arose.
According to diary entries, Irving was involved in analyzing the diaries and their provenance. A 2015 screenplay excerpt describes a clandestine operation involving someone "came with a chisel... hacked away... illegally, without the permission of the authorities... and then smuggled the pieces out of Poland in his suitcase. Wrapped in his dirty underwear." This suggests a dramatic and illicit retrieval of the forged documents. Irving expressed skepticism about the diaries' authenticity, focusing on the levels of HCN found in the delousing chambers versus the gas chambers, suggesting inconsistencies. A 2021 diary entry highlights Irving’s admiration for Ernst Zundel, who also challenged the established narrative surrounding the Holocaust.
The scandal resulted in Die Zeit retracting its publication and facing legal action. The forger, Konrad Fischer, was convicted. Irving's involvement in the affair further solidified his position as a controversial figure, and his critiques of the diaries contributed to the ongoing debate surrounding historical interpretations of World War II. A 2023 diary entry mentions Irving's documentation of fraud, referencing the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, suggesting a broader pattern of media deception.
* "We can criticise his methods, but it’s his conclusions we have to discredit." (denial_screenplay_2015) * "I am a Broadcast Television Engineer... I know first-hand what fraud exists in those Mainstream Media entities." (diary_2023) * "his efforts was the first to stress-crack the dome of lies that held‘civilization’ on the ‘Master Liars’." (diary_2021) * "Schindler's list (film) is kind of a swindle." (diary_2022_jan_jun)
* denial_screenplay_2015 * diary_2021 * diary_2022_jan_jun * diary_2023 * emails_2023_2024