Jeroen Rietbergen definitely not prosecuted for The Voice sexual misconduct scandal

Jeroen Rietbergen will not be prosecuted in the sexual abuse case concerning the Voice of Holland, the Arnhem-Leeuwarden Court of Appeal has decided. Rietbergen had been accused of rape. Singer Nienke Wijnhoven previously initiated an Article 12 procedure to force a prosecution.

The Public Prosecution Service (OM) decided drop the charges against Rietbergen in May 2024. The reason cited was a lack of evidence. Wijnhoven shared her story after the online show BOOS had released an episode documenting incidents of transgressive behavior on the Voice of Holland set. She was a participant in the eighth season of the show.

The appeals court does not think that there is a realistic chance of a conviction if the OM were to prosecute Rietbergen. "The Court, therefore, will not order the Public Prosecution Service to proceed with prosecuting the accused. Nor does the Court consider it useful to conduct further investigation, as requested by the complainant."

Rietbergen said that it is a “relief” that he is not being prosecuted, and he sees this as “confirmation,” his attorneys reported. "He has said from the beginning that no sexual acts took place between him and Ms. Wijnhoven and that he did not commit any criminal offense, and he has been able to substantiate and document that extensively. The Court's ruling feels like justice. He is deeply grateful to his loved ones for their unwavering support throughout a long and difficult time."

Wijnhoven said via her attorney that she is “proud” that she let her voice be heard. “For herself and in the hope that it helps others,” her lawyer, Sebas Diekstra, said. "My client was the only one who ultimately filed an official complaint. She knew it would be a difficult legal path, especially after so many years, but she still chose to speak out and persevere." With the Court's decision, "a long and difficult period has come to an end" for Wijnhoven.

Rietbergen acknowledged in 2022 that he had relationships “of a sexual nature” with women who were involved with the Voice of Holland and had sent sexually explicit messages. He called his behavior “unacceptable” and added that he had been to therapy to resolve his issues.

TV presenter Linda de Mol ended her relationship with Rietbergen after his public confession. However, the two have been back together for some time.