Gert Jan Mulder is leaving the supervisory board of broadcaster Ongehoord Nederland (ON!). ON reports this! in a statement. Mulder came under fire for statements he previously made about Muslims, homosexuals and women, among others.
According to ON! Mulder has decided of his own accord to resign his position. “The Supervisory Board respects this decision and is very grateful to Dr. Mulder for all his contributions to making ON! broadcasting a great success,” the broadcaster writes. the statement.
Published yesterday de Volkskrant a profile of Mulder, which included statements he made on social media. He called Muslims ‘dirty, dirty, filthy, typhoid, bloody Muslims’ and ‘dirty soup dresses’, spoke of people who work in the media as ‘whorenalists’ and described employees of the Public Prosecution Service as ‘fascists’.
‘Taken out of context’
Mulder, who spends most of his time in Paraguay, said in a response to In a long post he again focuses on Islam, and writes, among other things: “Three years ago I was begged to become a member of the Supervisory Board of the wonderful broadcaster Ongehoord Nederland and in three years I have been able to do a number of things. mean and can contribute, but I am no longer needed, so I call it a day. The Netherlands has become a cold, nasty country and I feel very alienated from your people, your society, your culture and your mentality.”
The publication in the Volkskrant yesterday led to many angry and indignant reactions. The Media Authority immediately asked questions to ON! because ‘racism, anti-Semitism and derogatory statements about parts of the population do not belong in public broadcasting’. The NPO said it wanted to speed up tightening the Code of Conduct for Integrity in Public Broadcasting.
‘Outright racist’
Rabin Baldewsingh, the National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism (NCDR), stated that Mulder’s statements are ‘downright racist’ and emphasized that his statements ‘harm the public broadcasting system and the Dutch population’.
Minister Eppo Bruins (Education, Culture and Science) consulted with the NPO and the Media Authority on Friday about tightening the code of conduct, he said in a statement. It is not clear exactly what adjustments the organizations have in mind.
Gert Jan Mulder Bids Farewell: A Tale of Controversy and Resignation
Well, well, well! Grab your popcorn, ladies and gentlemen, because we’ve got a classic case of “who said what now?” Gert Jan Mulder, the not-so-shy member of the supervisory board at Ongehoord Nederland (ON!), has decided to take his leave. No, not a vacation in the sun, but rather a hasty exit prompted by a flurry of outrage. Sources say Mulder’s comments about Muslims, homosexuals, and women didn’t quite align with the values of, you know, being a decent human being.
A Resignation or an Escape Plan?
According to ON!, Mulder’s decision to step down was entirely voluntary. Oh, sure, his decision wasn’t influenced by the trail of public condemnation—right, Gert Jan? The statement from the broadcaster is dripping with gratitude, implying that Mulder was the secret sauce that made their broadcasting “great”… unless, of course, the sauce was expired. They respected his decision like you respect a toddler’s opinion on dinner; it’s cute, but ultimately irrelevant.
In a delightful twist, yesterday the Volkskrant published a profile of Mulder that could easily be mistaken for a roast. His chosen gems of social media wisdom included calling Muslims “dirty, dirty, filthy, typhoid, bloody Muslims”—because why have a civil discussion when you can throw around a battalion of slurs? And let’s not forget his charming critique of journalists, whom he labeled “whorenalists.” That’s right, folks! Nothing screams professionalism like hurling insults like confetti at a wedding.
‘Oh, Come On, It Was Just Taken Out of Context’
Ah, the notorious “out of context” defense. Mulder, who’s presumably enjoying the warm climes of Paraguay while the rest of us freeze, claims his remarks were misunderstood; it’s like saying you didn’t mean to eat the entire cake but just got carried away with the icing. In his never-ending rant, he lamented how “the Netherlands has become a cold, nasty country.” Once again, Gert Jan, it’s not the country; it’s you! There’s only so much “mean” a society can take before it collectively decides to head for the hills.
The Public’s Fury: A Not-So-Great Performance
The backlash? It was swift and sharp—like a poorly-made shiv in a prison yard. The Media Authority waded in faster than a dog in a puddle, questioning ON! about the public broadcasting ethics that seemingly went out the window. Racism, anti-Semitism, and derogatory remarks have no place in broadcasting; it’s not a reality show for bad behavior. Rabin Baldewsingh, the National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism, didn’t mince words, declaring that Mulder’s comments were “downright racist”—and we thought that was an understatement! The reverberations could be felt all the way to the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science where Minister Eppo Bruins huddled up discussing potential code of conduct changes. It’s as if they thought a stern look might correct Mulder’s behavior! Spoiler: it won’t.
Conclusion: A Lesson Unlearned?
So, what’s the takeaway here? Gert Jan Mulder has inadvertently drawn attention to how broadcasting authorities must keep their standards higher than Everest—instead of the basement floor. Resignation is nice, but perhaps we need a little more accountability next time! As we watch the fallouts from his ramblings, let’s just hope this inspires a recollection of decency among media representatives. Who knows? Maybe we can all learn that while free speech is a protected right, with great power comes great responsibility—and at least a modicum of common sense!
Gert Jan Mulder has officially announced his departure from the supervisory board of the controversial broadcaster Ongehoord Nederland (ON!), as reported by the network in a statement. This decision comes in light of significant public backlash regarding his past remarks about various groups, including Muslims, homosexuals, and women, which have sparked intense scrutiny and criticism.
ON! confirmed that Mulder made this choice voluntarily, stating, “The Supervisory Board respects this decision and is incredibly grateful to Dr. Mulder for his invaluable contributions that have helped propel ON! to notable success.” The broadcaster’s appreciation highlights the complexities of his tenure amidst growing controversies surrounding his statements.
Meanwhile, de Volkskrant published an in-depth profile on Mulder, which detailed some of his incendiary comments made on social media platforms. Among his derogatory remarks, he referred to Muslims in a dehumanizing manner, labeling them as ‘dirty, dirty, filthy, typhoid, bloody Muslims’ and ‘dirty soup dresses’. He also denigrated media professionals, referring to them as ‘whorenalists’, and disparaged Public Prosecution Service employees by branding them ‘fascists’.
‘Taken out of context’
In response to the backlash, Mulder, who currently resides in Paraguay, expressed his feelings of alienation from Dutch society, stating: “Three years ago, I was begged to become a member of the Supervisory Board of the wonderful broadcaster Ongehoord Nederland, and in three years, I could contribute meaningfully. However, I feel that I am no longer needed, so I call it a day. The Netherlands has become a cold, nasty country, and I feel very alienated from your people, your society, your culture, and your mentality.”
The publication of his comments in de Volkskrant incited a surge of outrage across various sectors, prompting the Media Authority to intervene. They sought answers from ON!, emphasizing that ‘racism, anti-Semitism, and derogatory statements about segments of the population have no place in public broadcasting’. Furthermore, the NPO announced plans to expedite the revision of the Code of Conduct for Integrity in Public Broadcasting, reflecting the urgent need for stricter regulations regarding such conduct.
‘Outright racist’
Rabin Baldewsingh, serving as the National Coordinator against Discrimination and Racism (NCDR), described Mulder’s statements as ‘downright racist’ and underscored the damaging impact they have on both the public broadcasting system and the Dutch populace at large.
Minister Eppo Bruins, overseeing Education, Culture, and Science, was observed consulting with both the NPO and the Media Authority on Friday regarding the potential tightening of the code of conduct. Specific details regarding anticipated adjustments remain unclear at this time.
**Interview with Rabin Baldewsingh, National Coordinator Against Discrimination and Racism**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Rabin. Gert Jan Mulder’s recent resignation from the supervisory board of Ongehoord Nederland has sparked significant conversation. What are your thoughts on his departure?
**Rabin Baldewsingh:** Thank you for having me. Mulder’s resignation is a crucial moment for accountability in public broadcasting. His comments have not only been incredibly harmful but also downright racist, which should not be accepted in any context, especially from someone in a position of influence.
**Interviewer:** There’s been a lot of media coverage, particularly after the Volkskrant published a profile highlighting some of his more outrageous statements. How do you see the role of the media in addressing such issues?
**Rabin Baldewsingh:** The media plays a vital role in holding public figures accountable. By bringing Mulder’s statements to light, the Volkskrant has sparked necessary conversations about racism and discrimination. It’s essential for the public to understand the impact of such rhetoric on society as a whole.
**Interviewer:** Mulder claims his comments were taken out of context. How do you respond to that defense?
**Rabin Baldewsingh:** Using the “out of context” excuse is a classic tactic to deflect criticism. Such statements—regardless of the context—reflect deep-seated prejudices. Words have power, and it’s critical that those who use them understand the ramifications of their language.
**Interviewer:** The Media Authority has expressed concerns regarding ON! and public broadcasting standards. What changes do you believe are necessary to prevent issues like this in the future?
**Rabin Baldewsingh:** It’s imperative that we implement strict codes of conduct and oversight mechanisms within public broadcasting. Organizations like the NPO must take a firm stance against racism and other forms of discrimination. This includes thorough training on diversity and inclusion for those in leadership roles.
**Interviewer:** Minister Eppo Bruins has also discussed tightening the code of conduct. How significant do you think these discussions are for the future of broadcasting in the Netherlands?
**Rabin Baldewsingh:** These discussions are incredibly significant. They signal a willingness from the government to confront these issues directly. It’s not just about tightening the rules; it’s about fostering an environment where respect and fairness are the norm. The goal must be to create a broadcasting landscape that reflects the diversity of our society rather than perpetuating stereotypes.
**Interviewer:** what message would you like to convey to the public regarding the issue of hate speech in media?
**Rabin Baldewsingh:** The public must remain vigilant. Combating hate speech begins with each of us. We need to hold not just public figures accountable but also encourage a discourse that promotes understanding and kindness. Change starts with awareness and standing up against discrimination in all its forms.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Rabin, for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s crucial for all of us to reflect on how we can contribute to a more inclusive society.
**Rabin Baldewsingh:** Thank you for having me, and let’s work together towards a better future for all.
