Public Criticism of Valentijn Driessen by Beau van Erven Dorens
Television presenter Beau van Erven Dorens has publicly expressed a strong dislike for football journalist Valentijn Driessen, labeling him a “cynical grump” and suggesting he should no longer be featured on television. During an appearance on the program Dear Viewers, Van Erven Dorens criticized Driessen’s analytical style, particularly his contributions to the talk show Today Inside. Van Erven Dorens explicitly stated, “What use is such a jerk? Such a cynical, grumpy person? Just tearing everything down all day!” He further asserted that Driessen has become driven by “ego,” suggesting that the journalist often frames questions to serve his own interests rather than those of the public.
Industry Reactions and Internal Responses
The criticism from Van Erven Dorens has sparked a back-and-forth between the media personalities involved. During a segment on Today Inside, host Wilfred Genee sarcastically questioned the likelihood of Driessen ever appearing on Van Erven Dorens’ program, Beau’s house. Driessen responded by suggesting that if he continues his current work, an invitation is unlikely.
The segment also included comments from other media figures present during the Dear Viewers discussion. Comedian Frank Evenblij questioned the motivations behind Driessen’s journalistic approach, asking, “Why and in whose interest does he ask these questions?”
In the Today Inside studio, Johan Derksen defended his colleague by noting that the criticism was unexpected given Van Erven Dorens’ typical public persona. Derksen remarked, “I don’t think this suits Beau at all, because he usually crawls up everyone’s backside, and now he is fighting back.”
Driessen’s Perspective on the Controversy
Despite the sharp criticism, Valentijn Driessen has remained largely indifferent to the comments made by Van Erven Dorens. Addressing the situation on Today Inside, the The Telegraaf journalist dismissed the tirade with a common Dutch adage, suggesting that it is better for people to talk about you than to ignore you.
Worth a look