Utrecht

After extra investigation and re-interviewing witnesses, the Public Prosecution Service sees inadequate proof to prosecute.

Jeroen Rietbergen says he’s grateful for the in depth investigation that has been performed. “He thanks the individuals who continued to assist him throughout a really tough time.” says his lawyer Wout Morra.

Abuse

The choice is putting as a result of the Public Prosecution Service introduced in March final yr that it might prosecute Rietbergen. Linda de Mol’s accomplice was accused of abusing a candidate from the music program behind the scenes of The Voice.

It doesn’t usually occur that the Public Prosecution Service dismisses the case at such a late stage. In Rietbergen’s case, that is achieved after learning new statements from witnesses, who had been lately interrogated by the inspecting Justice of the Peace, partly on the request of the legal professionals.

Analysis

In keeping with sources near the investigation, this exhibits that the complainant didn’t inform the reality on important factors. The investigation additionally exhibits that the girl’s declare that she was abused doesn’t match together with her subsequent conduct.

Additionally learn: Lastly a shot within the case surrounding The Voice: ‘Retaining your mouth shut for thus lengthy is a catastrophe’

For instance, she later said in an interview that she ‘wish to eat a rusk with Jeroen Rietbergen’. She texted a screenshot of that assertion to the band chief of The Voice. At a time after the alleged abuse, the girl additionally said to an individual who was later offered as a witness by the Public Prosecution Service: “If I attempt slightly, I can get him.”

ANGRY episode

Though Jeroen Rietbergen confessed earlier than the BOOS episode, by which sexual misconduct was uncovered on The Voice, that he had been responsible of ‘relationships of a sexual nature’, he denied that there was any coercion. That was claimed by one of many members in The Voice. The younger girl filed a report after being inspired to take action within the discuss present Beau.

In an announcement, Rietbergen’s lawyer, Wout Morra, stated the next: “My shopper has stated from the beginning that he’s not responsible of a prison offense. He additionally denies that sexual acts occurred between him and the complainant. He made an intensive assertion within the judicial investigation to substantiate this. The dismissal has now confirmed this.”

Abuse of energy

The counselor calls it particular that the complainant’s accusation was first made in public. “Specifically within the Beau program,” says Morra. “The investigation has proven that the story on tv partly consisted of untruths. That is how she was allegedly lured to a non-existent studio. The lady acknowledged underneath oath that this was an incorrect assertion.” In keeping with Morra, the investigation didn’t reveal any abuse of energy, favoritism or unequal remedy of candidates within the making of this system The Voice.

The prison case towards Ali B. will proceed in the interim. Three stories of sexual assault and rape had been filed towards jury member and rapper Ali B. He’s scheduled to look in courtroom on June 12 and 13.

In March final yr, the Public Prosecution Service additionally introduced that it might dismiss the fees of sexual offenses towards the director of The Voice and jury member Marco Borsato. The latter nonetheless has to face trial for a sexual offense not associated to The Voice.

Additionally learn: Lastly a shot within the case surrounding The Voice: ‘Retaining your mouth shut for thus lengthy is a catastrophe’