"No, I don't have to, I can see him now". The iconic girl from the Kofola advert has spoken openly about her love for women
Christmas time in the Czech Republic traditionally brings not only the festive atmosphere, but also the return of iconic advertising spots. Among them, there is one that has stuck in the collective memory for more than two decades: the famous Kofola ad from 2003, in which a little girl utters the now legendary phrase "No, I don't have to, I can already see it". The then three-year-old Sandra Flemrová became the face of Christmas and a symbol of one of the most recognisable Czech advertising moments.
Today Sandra is 26 years old and works as a dental nurse. She has long since left the spotlight, yet every Christmas she receives increased media and public attention. This year, this is what prompted her to speak out: she posted a personal video on social media in which she spoke publicly about her orientation for the first time.
"I want to live truthfully and freely"
In the video, Sandra describes that the decision to make her confession public had been a long time in the making. "I feel it's the right time to be honest, and especially with myself," she said. The Christmas period is usually the hardest time of the year for her - apart from her own emotional balance, it is when she re-emerges as the "Kofola girl".
"I've felt affection for women in my life for a long time. For a long time I suppressed it, didn't want to admit it and partly ignored it. But that's over. I want to live truthfully, freely and the way I feel," she said in the video.
She also admitted that for some, her sharing may be private in nature. But it was an important step for herself - and for the public to see the real person behind the TV legend. "The Christmas season touches me closely in the media. It's a period of pressure and chaos for me. That's why I decided to speak out," she explained.
She concluded by adding a message to those who may be experiencing similar doubts or searching for their own identity: "And if you are the one watching this video, be yourself first and foremost."
Childhood in front of the camera: just a few casting calls and then school
In several interviews some time ago, Sandra also looked back at the impact of the famous commercial on her childhood. After its success, she took part in several casting sessions - five or six in total. Eventually, however, she and her mother decided to leave acting behind and Sandra would go to school.
At the time, she was more curious about whether the world of advertising might appeal to her again later. "I thought it might be interesting to try it again... And see if I could do it and if I would feel comfortable. But then we both gave up and I focused purely on school," she described.
A powerful moment of queer visibility
Although Sandra Flemr had long been out of the public eye, her outspoken statement received a lot of attention on social media - and a lot of supportive comments. For many queer people, her story can be powerful proof that self-acceptance can happen at different ages and at one's own pace.
The former Christmas starlet has thus symbolically grown into a woman who has dared to step out of the "ad girl" role and show who she is. In a time when people often talk about closeness, family and honesty, it is an authentic gesture that can resonate much further than anyone would have expected.
