TV Host Confronts Critic Over Appearance Remarks

Sam Hagens challenges Angela de Jong’s critique of Marianne van den Anker’s style

A televised clash erupted when TV presenter Sam Hagens confronted media critic Angela de Jong over a past column that harshly critiqued the appearance of pundit Marianne van den Anker.

Harsh Critique Sparks Debate

Angela de Jong, known for her sharp opinions, had previously written a scathing review of the program “Good evening the Netherlands.” Her comments specifically targeted Marianne van den Anker, the Ombudsman of Rotterdam-Rijnmond, for her hairstyle, described as “cotton in the hair,” and her choice of a floral kimono.

De Jong‘s column stated: “Cotton in the hair, a frame that can only be described as ‘Retro Lee Towers’ and a floral Kimono with which she shamelessly attracted all the attention. Even the pregnant belly of presenter Welmoed Sijtsma fell in it.”

Accusations of Unfeminine Criticism

During a subsequent appearance on “Good evening the Netherlands,” Sam Hagens used De Jong‘s own words against her, questioning the nature of her criticism. He asked, “I do wonder: what is actually more woman-friendly? Using the word whore when singing in the pub or killing a woman personally on her appearance?”

When De Jong questioned if she had focused on appearance, Hagens read the offending passage, prompting a strong reaction from both him and Van den Anker, who was also present.

“I didn’t like that, to be honest. I read that and I really thought: my goodness, what is a woman written here by a woman from Rotterdam, because it was also about my appearance.”

—Marianne van den Anker

Van den Anker expressed her hurt, noting that the criticism felt overly focused on her looks and was unnecessarily harsh. She added, “Why, was it needed for?”

Critic Defends Stance

Angela de Jong defended her commentary, stating, “I’m not here to make friends.” She also suggested that her remarks were a selective interpretation of her column, implying the “bouncer” or main point was overlooked.

However, Sam Hagens pressed the issue, highlighting the broader concern of media scrutiny on women’s appearances. “I hear from so many women in the media that there is always a hassle about their appearance and then there is someone here and then you attack the one on her appearance!” he exclaimed.

De Jong maintained she was merely describing what she observed. “I don’t attack anyone, I described what I saw!” she insisted.

Potential Concession

The debate intensified with Hagens quoting De Jong’s description of Van den Anker’s kimono as “shameless.” After further discussion, and prompted by Van den Anker’s detailed account of the criticisms aimed at her, Angela de Jong conceded, “Maybe I could have omitted that word.”

This exchange comes at a time when discussions about online harassment and its impact are prominent. For instance, a 2023 report by the UK’s Jo Cox Foundation found that 58% of women in the UK had experienced online harassment, underscoring the sensitive nature of public commentary on personal appearance (The Jo Cox Foundation, 2023).