‘Today Inside’ Host Derksen launches Scathing Criticism of Humberto Tan and Gert Verhulst
Amsterdam, November 26, 2025 – Veteran television personality Johan Derksen delivered a blistering critique of Dutch-Surinamese presenter Humberto Tan and Belgian media mogul Gert Verhulst during Monday’s broadcast of RTL’s Today Inside. Derksen,known for his outspoken opinions,labeled Tan “exaggerated” and claimed an “allergy” to the presenter’s on-screen persona,while dismissing Verhulst’s relevance to Dutch current events.
The verbal attacks come as Tan’s new program, featuring photographs with international stars, has reportedly underperformed in prime time, according to Mediacourant.nl. Derksen’s comments reflect a broader tension within the Dutch media landscape regarding authenticity and the perceived disconnect between entertainment figures and genuine public discourse.The criticisms also raise questions about the potential for future collaborations or appearances between Derksen and either Tan or Verhulst.
“I am allergic to Humberto Tan. Everything that man dose is exaggerated,” Derksen stated on air. He further elaborated, criticizing Tan for being “overly cheerful, overly sympathetic, overly gloomy…everything overdone. Let the real Roberto Tan,or Humberto Tan,stand up. I think he’s such a terrible man.” Derksen also dismissed Tan’s new program as “stupid” and stated he would not participate.
The criticism extended to Verhulst, with Derksen stating he sees “no point” in having a Belgian at the Today Inside table. “He doesn’t know what’s going on in the Netherlands,” Derksen asserted,adding that his only interest in Verhulst stemmed from past rumors regarding the Belgian’s relationships with the members of the girl group K3.
Colleague Wilfred genee countered, suggesting Verhulst is more informed about Dutch affairs than Derksen believes. Reporter Merel Ek also pointed out Verhulst’s frequent inclusion of Dutch figures in his own programs.Derksen remained unconvinced, arguing Verhulst lacks the ability to meaningfully discuss Dutch issues. Genee ultimately concluded, “But he keeps a really close eye on the Netherlands!”
