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Original The Voice taken off air as #MeToo scandal hits Dutch television

Original The Voice taken off air as #MeToo scandal hits Dutch television

Following the cancellation, the band leader for the talent show acknowledged the sexually inappropriate behaviour and resigned.
21 Jan, 2022

The original Dutch version of global blockbuster TV talent show The Voice, which spawned local versions in over 150 countries, has been taken off the air after allegations of sexually inappropriate behaviour, including by celebrities.

The scandal threatens to affect other figures in the Dutch media and entertainment world in the first big #MeToo moment in the Netherlands since the global movement to stop sexual harassment of women began some four years ago.

On Wednesday local prosecutors told Reuters there were two witnesses who had filed police reports of "indecency offences" related to the television show.

A lawyer for one of the Netherlands' best-known rappers, Ali B., a longtime coach on The Voice of Holland, told ANP news agency that two police reports were filed against his client.

"Ali B. completely denies that he committed any illegal acts," lawyer Bart Swiers said.

The Voice of Holland has been one of the Netherlands' most popular television shows for years.

Over the weekend broadcaster RTL issued a statement saying that it had pulled the show after being alerted to "allegations of sexually unacceptable behaviour and abuse of power".

Following that announcement, the band leader for the talent show acknowledged sexually inappropriate behaviour in a statement sent to various Dutch media. He then resigned.

Comments

Chrís Dăn Jan 21, 2022 05:28pm
Civilized people with a working system of accountability.
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Sane Mind1st Jan 21, 2022 05:31pm
#Metoo happens daily in Pakistan. But the structure of the society provides cover to it. Pity.
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AHAQ Jan 22, 2022 06:42am
False flag operation by the opposition
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