Belgian Broadcasters Face Backlash After Destroying Religious Statues

Belgian public broadcaster Studio Brussel is facing widespread criticism after presenters Eva De Roo and Dries Lenaerts were filmed destroying Christian statues during a segment on their morning show. The incident, which occurred on a program hosted by the duo, has sparked outrage and accusations of disrespect towards religious symbols.

The Incident and Initial Reactions

The video, which circulated widely online, shows De Roo and Lenaerts smashing various objects, including crockery, a computer screen, and two statues depicting Christian figures – one of the Virgin Mary with the infant Jesus . The act prompted immediate condemnation from various groups, including religious leaders, and politicians. Cieltje Van Achter, the Minister of Media, described the video as “particularly shocking” .

Apology and Explanation

Following the backlash, Studio Brussel and the presenters issued apologies. The VRT, the Belgian public broadcasting organization, also released a statement expressing regret over the incident . Whereas the intent was not to offend, the presenters acknowledged the pain and offense caused by their actions.

The Presenters: Eva De Roo and Dries Lenaerts

Eva De Roo and Dries Lenaerts began hosting the Studio Brussel morning show in September 2025 . De Roo is a RITCS Radio alumna, having graduated in 2013 . Lenaerts, who graduated from RITCS in 2024 , previously hosted the request show ‘Hallo met Studio Brussel’ and the game show ‘Dries op een Rij’ . Born in Genk in 2000, Lenaerts has a background in both music and visual arts, studying at the Genk Academy of Music, Word and Dance and the Academy of Visual Arts & Media .

Concerns Over Double Standards

The incident has also raised questions about potential double standards, with some critics pointing out that similar actions targeting other religions would likely be met with stronger condemnation . This concern has fueled further debate about the boundaries of satire and artistic expression in public broadcasting.

Looking Ahead

The controversy surrounding the destroyed statues highlights the sensitivities surrounding religious symbols and the responsibility of public broadcasters to avoid causing offense. Studio Brussel will likely face continued scrutiny as it navigates the fallout from this incident and seeks to rebuild trust with its audience. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of provocative content and the importance of thoughtful consideration in public media.