‘The Voice’ Creator John de Mol Responds to Abuse Accusations at Original Dutch Series: ‘I Am Quite Upset’

thewrap.com:

said during an interview that aired Thursday on the Dutch news magazine “Boos.” “I absolutely feel responsible,” he continued. “That doesn’t mean that I saw things and tried to cover them up, or condoned things that should not have been condoned.

This discussion is about one thing: People have been hurt. There are victims and their interests should come first.”De Mol said he was only aware of one complaint — against Rietbergen — during his time as the show’s executive producer from 2010-2019.

He said he “yelled at him for 30 minutes, I had to restrain myself not to punch him in the face.”ITV Studios, which produces “The Voice” worldwide, has immediately launched an investigation into the accusations.

Here’s the company’s statement in full:ITV Studios was shocked and dismayed to hear of the experiences of contestants on ‘The Voice of Holland’ detailed in the BNN/Vara programme Boos released today.Our utmost priority is to provide a safe and supportive environment for everyone who takes part in or works on our shows and there is zero tolerance at ITV Studios for the type of behaviour highlighted in the show.After ITV Studios received notice from Boos of this behaviour last week we moved quickly to launch an external investigation to fully understand what happened.The external investigation is being led by the reputed Dutch law firm Van Doorne under the leadership of partner Jan Leliveld.