VRT Presenterโ Faces Criticismโ for On-Air Remark About Alain โฃGrootaers
A โVRT presenter,โข Janโฃ Schols, is facing backlash for a comment perceivedโค as a pointed and unwelcome reference to Alain Grootaers’ recent health struggles during a live broadcast.The incident occurred whileโ discussing the Docus series Tegenwind and Grootaers’ new โฃbook detailing his life after a brain โฃhaemorrhage.
The remark, described as a โ”rancorous natrap” by commentator Annelies Huisman, has sparked debate about journalistic ethics and respect โขfor individualsโข dealingโข with personal health challenges. Huisman likened the moment to “unsporting soda” from aโ bad loser,โ referencing a past televised rivalry between Grootaers and ben Crabbรฉ. She also criticized the timing of Schols’ comment, suggesting he targetedโ Grootaers when he was “physically and mentally defenseless.”
Grootaers’ book details his recovery from aโ brain haemorrhageโฃ and offersโข insights into his life post-stroke. Tegenwind,โ the โDocus series โat the center of the discussion, aimed to provide a platform for scientists critical of the โฃcorona policy, but faced accusations of spreadingโฃ disinformation. Huisman acknowledged that some of theโ critical viewpoints โขpresented in the series have since gained traction,โ such as the socio-economic consequences of lockdowns and censorship of dissenting voices.
Despite her criticisms of Grootaers’ โpast roleโ in shaping public opinion duringโค the pandemic, Huisman expressed regret that his โขpersonal story and book received limited attention, viewing it as a “missed possibility” and a sign of disrespect. Sheโ believes his experience could have resonated with viewers facing their own health battles.