“We are guided by official bodies,” they say.
Play has pulled an episode of the Flemish game show The Smartest Person in the World from its schedule following a wave of misconduct allegations against contestant Mehdi El Hadri. The network’s decision follows a series of testimonies shared on TikTok by content creator Flore Pensaerts, according to reports from LINDA. and Weekend Online.
The broadcaster confirmed that the episode in question was recorded before the allegations against the participant, known online as “Bruine Mehdi,” became public. On Nov. 11, 2026, the network announced it had launched an independent external investigation into possible cross-border behavior by a contestant.
The claims against El Hadri include accusations of filming or distributing intimate images without consent, or threatening to do so, LINDA. reported. At least two women have alleged incidents of rape. Further claims shared by Pensaerts include allegations that the creator lied about his age and engaged in sexual activity while knowingly carrying sexually transmitted infections without informing his partners.
According to the reports, El Hadri also pressured individuals to remain silent about his conduct as his profile grew. In one resurfaced social media post, El Hadri advised others on how to approach women by stating: “Motherfucker, lie! What do you think I have been doing my whole life?”
One account detailed by Weekend Online involves a woman who met the creator via Tinder in 2022. She alleged that El Hadri brought items including lubricant, sex toys, a cockring, and a balaclava to a hotel room. She stated that after she refused his request to be filmed, he proceeded to record her anyway while her back was turned. She later received the footage with the message “Happy anniversary.”
Play has appointed lawyer Christine Mussche, who specializes in sexual offense cases, to conduct an independent investigation into the claims. The broadcaster said that it takes these signals seriously, though it noted that no formal legal complaint has been filed against the participant.
Judicial sources confirmed to The Latest News that there is currently no active criminal investigation into the matter. Pensaerts, who identifies as an activist against media misconduct, claims that the testimonies she has shared represent only a small fraction of the reports she has received.
The network has not provided a date for the episode’s return or further details regarding the participant’s future on the program. Play stated they intend to follow the guidance of official authorities as the investigation continues.
Related reading