Sean Dhondt (37) has looked back on Radio 1 on what he calls a “rotten year”, in which naked photos of him were circulated. The much-discussed Eveline affair caused a lot of damage, but it also purified him. The presenter/musician now has a different outlook on life. “I don’t have to be the perfect person anymore. I have literally been naked in front of an entire country… What can happen to me now?”
–
Sean Dhondt was a guest in the program on Saturday De boshut on Radio 1. Presenter Annemie Peeters brought up the Eveline affair, among other things. As a reminder: the BV – along with colleagues Peter Van de Veire and Stan Van Samang – was tricked into sharing nude photos of itself. This was done by a young man posing as a lusty young lady (‘Eveline’).
The past year was “obviously not the best period”, Dhondt said in the broadcast. The affair, which made it to the media in September 2020, was accompanied by “a lot of guilt”. He went to a psychologist to help him with that. Above all, she taught him that “sitting too long with a feeling of guilt leads nowhere”.
“Making mistakes in itself is human. Whatever you are accused of by others, especially if you have a famous headline. And suddenly it is not just family, friends and a small group of colleagues who have an opinion, but an entire country.”
The media figure has also learned to be more aware of social media. He no longer shares everything on Instagram. In addition, he has started to exercise a lot. Swimming, cycling and jogging, and the occasional strength training: it was a good outlet and it was therapeutic.
(read more below the photo)
– Photo: VTM
sports
Dhondt says the Eveline affair has done a lot of harm. But that it has also done him some good, because his life is different now. “I am always positive and I will remain so. But that perfect picture that I always had to put up of myself as a famous person… I had that from childhood that I was a pleaser was that I wanted everyone to like me.”
The presenter and musician now realizes: “Because I literally stood naked in front of an entire country… What can happen to me now? I’m not a perfect person either. And now it’s finally clear. I can drop that fight because that mask has fallen off.”
On Annemie Peeters’ observation that Flanders accepts this, perhaps not in the beginning, Dhondt responds: “Fortunately – or unfortunately – worse things happen in the world than someone who takes a nude photo of himself, sends it and then is sent around. . Those are criminal facts, people who are going to spread that.”
(read more below the photo)
–
Photo: Frank Abbeloos
Child Focus
Dhondt says he has heard “bitter comments”. But there were also many parents who wrote to him: It might be weird and you might not want to hear it, but thanks to you we were able to explain to our kids who came home with pictures what that is, sexting, and how to handle it with care.
The well-known figure is happy that the debate has been opened. He has also worked with Child Focus. And there are several agencies that have approached him to campaign. “Then I thought: Okay, do I want to be the poster boy for that? Anything but. I have said: Guys, I see what you mean, and that it could be a strong signal. But give me some time to process things.”
After the Eveline affair, Sean Dhondt and his wife Allison Scott a point behind their marriage. He has meanwhile a new love.
– .
