Amsterdam
#MeToo protest in Amsterdam after allegations at TV show
Hundreds of people protested Saturday in Amsterdam in a #MeToo demonstration sparked by allegations of sexual impropriety linked to a popular Dutch TV talent show.
The demonstration on Amsterdam’s Museumplein square was organized following reports of sexual harassment, ranging from WhatsApp messages to an allegation of rape, linked to “The Voice of Holland.”
The popular show was taken off the air two weeks ago after women accused two panelists who have appeared on the show in recent years and its pianist and band leader of inappropriate and unwanted sexual advances.
The two coaches, both popular Dutch performers, have denied wrongdoing. The bandleader apologized and resigned from the show.
READ: An updated ‘Coming 2 America’ for a #MeToo world
While a number of women have made complaints to law enforcement authorities, prosecutors have not yet announced whether they will charge anybody.
The scandal has led to calls in the Netherlands for more action to make workplaces safer for women.
Labor union FNV said this week that “nearly five years after #MeToo, shockingly little has changed in tackling workplace sexual intimidation” and called on the government to tighten laws.
READ: Indian journalist acquitted of defamation in #MeToo case
FNV vice president Kitty Jong said that the allegations about “The Voice Of Holland” clearly show “that women in vulnerable positions have too few resources to address sexual harassment.”
2 years ago
Survivors return to Auschwitz 75 years after liberation
Survivors of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp gathered Monday for commemorations marking the 75th anniversary of the Soviet army's liberation of the camp, using the testimony of survivors to warn about the signs of rising anti-Semitism and hatred in the world today.
4 years ago