TV presenter Tim Den Besten confesses to identity theft on Grindr; case now dismissed

Presenter Tim den Besten has confessed that he is guilty of identity theft. Den Besten used photos of three men without their permission to make fake profiles on the homosexual dating app Grindr and social media site Instagram, his attorney HJ van der Tak told ANP. The case was dropped after a mediation meeting between Den Besten and the victims.

Den Besten used fake profiles to have sexually explicit conversations with other people in 2022 and 2023. “Tim takes full responsibility for this,” said his lawyer. The attorney stated that the victims did not wish for the case to be taken to trial.

“I sincerely regret using photos and data that do not belong to me,” said the 37-year-old presenter. “I caused people pain and sadness by doing this. I am deeply ashamed. I was able to tell the victims this during the mediation meetings, and I am grateful for that. But it does not take away that what I did was shameful.” Den Besten said that he would not discuss the matter further, as this was a request made by the victims.

Den Besten had to stop his work in 2023 because he was diagnosed with cancer. He is currently cancer-free. "I am very happy that after a series of chemotherapy and radiation treatments, I have been declared cancer-free for the time being," said Den Besten. “I am deeply grateful for the doctors and nurses in the Erasmus MC and the Antoni van Leeuwenhoek Ziekenhuis,” a statement read.

The presenter checked himself into a clinic after his treatment was over in order to work on his psychological issues. “That was very good for me. I will be taking some time to work on myself further in the near future and to recover physically and mentally. I am already on the right road, but I am not there yet.”

Den Besten spent most of his career working for VPRO. He was mainly known for creating several TV documentaries. He has also presented travel shows and created children’s TV shows.