A signed biography and a brief studio farewell sparked a wave of social media criticism on Tuesday

A signed biography and a brief studio farewell sparked a wave of social media criticism on Tuesday after footage showed René van der Gijp interacting with singer Lee Towers.

The 80-year-old Rotterdam singer appeared at the bar on Vandaag Inside on Tuesday evening to promote his brand-new book, Lee Towers: Geloof in je dromen, as Socialnieuws.nl reported.

Studio cameras capture post-show departure

Once the broadcast ended and the studio emptied, Van der Gijp walked over to Towers, fcupdate.nl reported. “Leen, het ga je goed ouwe reus! Fijne dagen, man”, Van der Gijp said while giving the singer a hug, according to fcupdate.nl.

Towers then handed over his newly published biography as a gift. “Ik heb er nog wat ingeschreven voor je”, the singer said, as fcupdate.nl documented. “Ik heb het gezien”, Van der Gijp replied.

Viewers react to the televised exchange

The shared video clip triggered heavy criticism across social media platforms, fcupdate.nl noted. Viewers pointed out that Towers wanted to continue chatting while Van der Gijp appeared eager to leave.

“Wat een onfatsoenlijke en ongeïnteresseerde proleet is die Gijp. Leen wil gewoon nog even bijbabbelen en die vent weet niet hoe gauw die weg moet komen,” wrote one viewer on social media, as fcupdate.nl quoted.

Other users on X and Instagram described the interaction as cold, with one viewer writing, “Beetje vervelend om te zien, je ziet duidelijk dat Leen even wil bijkletsen en Gijp weet niet hoe snel hij weer weg moet zijn. Even een hand schudden en gelijk je rug toekeren,” according to fcupdate.nl and Socialnieuws.nl.

Some comments also questioned the decision of Vandaag Inside to publish the awkward footage online, Socialnieuws.nl reported.

Towers celebrates a 65-year music career

The book promotion highlights a 65-year career in the music industry for the Rotterdam artist, Socialnieuws.nl stated. Towers has released 46 albums and performed 51 times to sold-out crowds at Ahoy.

Journalist and friend Louis du Moulin penned the biography, which covers both professional triumphs and personal tragedies, including the deaths of the singer’s daughter-in-law and youngest brother in accidents, Socialnieuws.nl reported.

Common questions about the broadcast incident

Why was Lee Towers on Vandaag Inside?

The 80-year-old singer appeared at the bar on Tuesday evening to promote his newly released biography, Socialnieuws.nl reported.

What caused the backlash on social media?

Viewers criticized René van der Gijp for appearing uninterested and rushing away after receiving a signed copy of the book from Towers, fcupdate.nl and Socialnieuws.nl noted.