Literary Feud Erupts as Herman Brusselmans‘ Column Sparks Outcry from Heleen Debruyne
Brussels,Belgium – A sharp exchange between celebrated author Herman Brusselmans and radio personality Heleen Debruyne has ignited a public debate,highlighting the contrasting styles of two prominent Belgian voices. The controversy stems from a recent column penned by Brusselmans in HUMO magazine,were he questioned Debruyne’s knowledge of sex,stating she ”has little knowledge of sex” at the age of 38.
Brusselmans, known for his provocative and frequently enough divisive writing, frequently targets public figures in his columns. This time, the focus landed on Debruyne, a well-known author, columnist, and radio presenter. The remark quickly circulated within literary circles and across social media platforms, prompting a response from Debruyne herself.
Debruyne addressed the criticism with a measured retort to HUMO, first correcting Brusselmans’ age – stating she is 36, not 38 - and then adding, “He may think that I don’t know anything about sex. That’s apparently what he does: think about the sex lives of others.”
Demonstrating resilience, Debruyne further explained her outlook, acknowledging the challenges faced by writers. ”I know it is arduous to survive as a writer, so I tend to be lenient: oh well, that man has worked his way into that niche and he gets paid for those kinds of pieces. So it doesn’t bother me that much, just as I am also fairly immune to online comments.”
The incident underscores a clear divergence in writing approaches. Brusselmans’ commentary aligns with his established reputation for blunt and inflammatory prose,while Debruyne’s response is characterized by composure and directness. The clash has captivated readers, raising questions about the boundaries of critique and the dynamics of public discourse, with observers now debating who will ultimately sway public opinion.
