Ali B Appeal: Updates on Higher Court Case & Media Strategy

The Amsterdam Court of Justice began hearing appeals Monday in the case against Dutch rapper Ali B, nearly two years after a Haarlem court issued a partial conviction. Ali B was sentenced to two years in prison in July 2024 for the rape of Naomi, but acquitted of two counts of assault. Both Ali B and the Public Prosecution Service (OM) appealed the verdict, leading to the current proceedings where the court is re-examining the evidence.

The case centers on allegations made by three women. Naomi alleges she was assaulted and raped by Ali B in 2018 at a house party in Heiloo. A witness testified to finding Naomi crying at a bus stop following the alleged assault, contributing to the initial conviction. During a preliminary hearing, Ali B’s lawyer, Bart Swier, requested that fellow rapper Ronnie Flex be called to testify again, a request the court granted. Flex had previously stated he did not witness the alleged rape even as he was with Naomi that evening.

A second accusation comes from singer Ellen ten Damme, who claims Ali B attempted to rape her in a hotel room in Marocco in 2014. Ten Damme did not file a formal police report but made a statement to authorities. The lower court found her testimony credible and supported by the statement of her then-partner and manager. Swier is seeking to call an additional witness who reportedly heard about the incident, though not specifically about a rape attempt.

The third allegation involves Jill Helena, a former contestant on the television show The Voice of Holland, who accuses Ali B of assault while he was her coach. The initial court found her testimony reliable but lacked sufficient evidence for a conviction, partly due to the delay in Helena coming forward with her story.

Ali B is attempting a different approach during the appeals process, reportedly barring media access. According to reports, his legal team believes maintaining a consistent public image is crucial, fearing that “wispful” behavior could erode trust in his defense.

Swier has also requested that Ali B’s ex-partner, Breghje Kommers, be questioned as part of the appeal. The defense argues that the initial court’s reasoning in the Naomi case was “incomprehensible,” particularly regarding Flex’s testimony. Flex’s statement that he saw nothing during the alleged incident was used against Ali B, a point Swier disputes.

The court will also consider testimony from a friend of Naomi who allegedly heard from Danny Ellinger, the manager of Ellen ten Damme, that Ten Damme had accused Ali B of rape shortly after the incident in Morocco. The prosecution is pursuing the case based on the testimonies of these three women.

Jill Helena is expected to be present during the appeals hearing, according to reports.