Connie Witteman Clashes with **Gordon** Over **André Hazes Sr.** Legacy
Public spat erupts over comments on deceased icon’s past
Connie Witteman has publicly voiced her displeasure regarding controversial remarks made by entertainer **Gordon** about the late Dutch music legend **André Hazes Sr.**. Witteman’s strong reaction highlights the enduring sensitivity surrounding the legacy of Hazes Sr., even years after his passing.
Hazes Sr.’s Past Under Scrutiny
The controversy stems from an interview **Gordon** gave three months prior, where he addressed allegations made by **Rachel Hazes**, the widow of **André Hazes Sr.**. According to Rachel, she was in a sexual relationship with Hazes Sr. when she was just fifteen and he was employed as her babysitter.
Accusations of Pedophilia Spark Outrage
During the interview, **Gordon** did not shy away from labeling Hazes Sr. a “pedophile.” He drew a parallel to public reactions concerning singer Marco Borsato, questioning why Hazes Sr.’s music continues to be celebrated despite the serious allegations. This stance reportedly garnered support from figures like Wilfred Genee and Bram Moszkowicz, who acknowledged the validity of Gordon’s point.
Family and Industry Remain Silent
Neither **André Jr.**, **Roxeanne Hazes**, nor **Rachel Hazes** have publicly commented on **Gordon**’s recent remarks. Medialane, the producer behind the popular “Holland Zingt Hazes” (Holland Sings Hazes) concert series, has also maintained silence. This quietude suggests a potential conflict between acknowledging past misconduct and the substantial financial earnings derived from **André Hazes Sr.**’s estate.
Witteman’s Instagram Outburst
Connie Witteman took to Instagram to express her anger, sharing **Gordon**’s statement and questioning his motives. She asserted the need for respect for the deceased and stated that his comments were “painful, unnecessary and grievous” for Hazes Sr.’s children and grandchildren.
“Gordon, why? I wonder what this is necessary for and what someone wants to achieve with it to pop this through the ether? Respect for the dead, right? Both for Roxeanne and André Jr. and for their grandkids it is painful, unnecessary and grievous to call this about their father or grandfather or do I see it wrong?”
—Connie Witteman
Witteman continued to defend Hazes Sr. as an icon whose songs are still widely sung, asking her followers if they too remained fans. She pointed out that Hazes Sr. passed away on September 23, 2004, meaning 21 years would have passed by September 23, 2025.
Followers Challenge Witteman’s Stance
One follower, identified as Bart, questioned Witteman’s perspective, suggesting that one could appreciate an artist’s music while still condemning a potentially exploitative relationship. Witteman’s response, questioning parental approval, drew further criticism, with users pointing out that parental consent would not legitimize such an age-discrepant relationship.
Message Deleted Amidst Backlash
Following the critical responses, **Connie Witteman** deleted her Instagram post. Speculation suggests she may have realized the age of the original remarks or perhaps let personal animosity toward **Gordon** influence her actions. Their long-standing feud includes a contentious incident in 2013 where Witteman leaked a private conversation after Gordon’s harsh criticism of her. Gordon retaliated by broadcasting Witteman’s private phone number live on television, leading to legal action from Witteman.
The public discord between **Witteman** and **Gordon** underscores the ongoing debate surrounding celebrity legacies and historical allegations. This situation highlights the complex interplay of public memory, artistic contribution, and personal accountability, particularly when dealing with figures from the past. For instance, in the United States, the #MeToo movement has led to a reassessment of many public figures’ actions, with some artworks and performances being re-contextualized or removed due to revealed misconduct, as seen with the renaming of the Pulitzer Prize-winning musical “Hamilton” stage at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles after allegations against its creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, surfaced (Los Angeles Times, 2023).