Belgian influencer Jonatan Medart and his partner were targeted with homophobic slurs on the streets of Ghent, sparking a police investigation and a nationwide debate over online vigilantism, privacy, and accountability after the vlogger posted unblurred footage of the incident online.
Ghent Police Forward Street Harassment Case to Public Prosecutor
The Ghent police department has officially launched an investigation into the street harassment incident involving the 26-year-old Belgian influencer and his boyfriend, according to reports by NOS Nieuws and VRT Nieuws. Law enforcement authorities have forwarded the case file to the Public Prosecutor’s office as scrutiny mounts over both the street abuse and the subsequent online response.
The incident came to light when Medart published video footage on social media documenting a walk through Ghent. In the recording, several men can be heard shouting “homo” and directing additional vulgar remarks about the couple’s sexual orientation toward them while trailing behind them. The vlogger chose to keep the faces of the men in the video completely unblurred.
Public Backlash and Legal Criticism Over Unblurred Footage
While the video generated an outpouring of supportive messages from social media users, it also drew sharp criticism from legal experts regarding the exposure of the suspects’ identities. Well-known Belgian criminal defense attorney Joris Van Cauter, speaking via VRT Nieuws, acknowledged that capturing video can serve a legitimate purpose for gathering evidence, but condemned the method of publication.
“He has not blurred faces, so everyone is recognizable,” Van Cauter stated. “He said: I am going to take revenge now. I am nailing you to the pillory. Then you play judge and executioner.”
Following the criticism and subsequent developments, Medart removed the video from his platforms. He explained that two of the five men visible in the recording contacted him to clarify they had no involvement in the harassment. The influencer admitted his initial assumption that all five individuals belonged to the same aggressive group was incorrect.
“Three of those I have on image shouting, those two others just walk into the picture and actually haven’t done anything wrong,” Medart wrote in a public statement. “For that reason, it feels wrong to leave that video up and insinuate that they were also involved in the incident.” He subsequently issued a direct apology to the two uninvolved individuals.
Corporate Response and Law Enforcement Action
Further complications arose when internet users identified that one of the men potentially trailing the couple wore a shirt bearing the logo of a Ghent-based construction company. The firm swiftly released an official statement distancing itself from the behavior captured on camera.
“On the footage, a person is seen wearing our company clothing,” the company wrote. “We want to emphasize that the homophobic statements and behavior in this video diametrically oppose the values and norms of our company.”
In response to the incident, the Ghent police have reached out to Medart, inviting him to file an official complaint through their specialized reporting point dedicated to LGBTQI+-related violence and discrimination. Medart confirmed his intention to proceed with the filing, noting that his motivation extends beyond his personal experience.
“I am not doing this for myself because Seppe and I are currently fine,” Medart stated, referring to his partner, “but for the LGBTQAI+ people who have also experienced this and find the threshold to go to the police just a little too big.”
Did You Know?
Jonatan Medart is a prominent media personality in Flanders, boasting widespread popularity on TikTok. Beyond his viral pandemic-era songs and comedic content, he has competed in high-profile Belgian television programs including De Slimste Mens ter Wereld, Dancing With The Stars, and the Flemish versions of De Verraders and Het Perfecte Plaatje.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Ghent police forward the case to the Public Prosecutor?
The Ghent police forwarded the information regarding the street harassment of Jonatan Medart and his partner to the Public Prosecutor’s office as part of a formal criminal inquiry into the incident.
What are the legal concerns regarding the influencer’s video?
According to Belgian criminal defense attorney Joris Van Cauter, publishing unblurred footage of suspects amounts to acting as “judge and executioner” by exposing individuals to public shaming rather than leaving punishment to the judicial system.
Has the original video been taken down?
Yes, Jonatan Medart removed the footage after discovering that two of the five men shown in the video were not involved in the harassment, and he subsequently issued an apology to those two individuals.
How can victims report similar incidents in Ghent?
The Ghent police maintain a specialized reporting point specifically designed for handling LGBTQI+-related violence, discrimination, and hate incidents.
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