René van der Gijp

When Derksen recounted the subsequently disputed story involving a candle and an unconscious woman, Van der Gijp laughed and asked whether the candle had also been lit. Specialists criticised the tone of the segment, arguing that the laughter trivialised the seriousness of an account of sexual violence.

State of the evidence

On-air reaction documented

Attribution

Direct responsibility for his media reaction; no sexual act attributed to Van der Gijp

Ahead of the World Cup in Qatar, Van der Gijp reacted dismissively to correspondent Olaf Koens's account of overcrowded accommodation, cockroaches and poor conditions experienced by migrant workers. His comments attracted strong criticism from viewers.

State of the evidence

Television statements and controversy documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Alongside Johan Derksen, Van der Gijp argued on air that there was, in their view, relatively little racism in the Netherlands and criticised Akwasi and the Black Lives Matter demonstrations. The segment contributed to a crisis for the programme, with advertisers withdrawing and national team players boycotting it.

State of the evidence

Statements and commercial consequences documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

Van der Gijp appeared on air wearing a blonde wig and announcing that he now wanted to be called 'Renate', referring to journalist Bo Van Spilbeeck's transition. The segment prompted criticism from viewers, associations and sponsor Toto.

State of the evidence

Television segment and reactions documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

While LGBT people were sharing experiences of harassment and fear under #SorryJohan following Johan Derksen's remarks, Van der Gijp stated that he had nothing to do with the campaign and advised people expressing their opinions on Twitter to 'go and find work'.

State of the evidence

Public statement documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

René van der Gijp stated on Voetbal International that there were very few gay footballers, that football was not a sport for them and that a young gay player would probably stop playing around the age of 14 to work in a hairdressing salon. The KNVB described the remarks as absurd.

State of the evidence

Direct statements and KNVB reactions documented

Attribution

Directly implicated