Marc-Marie Huijbregts still refuses to appear on Gert Verhulst’s talk show one year after an awkward broadcast moment, citing a lack of personal safety. De komediant vertrok een jaar geleden boos uit de Vlaamse talkshow De Tafel van Gert nadat gast Thomas van Groningen hem plaagde met de manier waarop hij bij Vandaag Inside belachelijk wordt gemaakt.
Why Marc-Marie Huijbregts Refuses to Return to Gert Verhulst
The dispute stems from an episode where guest Thomas van Groningen poked fun at how Huijbregts is treated on Vandaag Inside. Huijbregts felt that host Gert Verhulst threw him to the wolves by bringing up the rival show and failing to halt the teasing. Speaking at the premiere of the musical Cabaret—starring Chantal Janzen in the lead role—Huijbregts told Shownieuws that he has no plans to cross the border for the show again. “No, I’m not going to sit with Gert Verhulst. That’s been nice,” he said.
Marc-Marie Huijbregts nog altijd boos op Gert Verhulst om Vandaag Inside-vraag in Belgische talkshow https://t.co/HRJm8u7Ygu #vandaaginside pic.twitter.com/AMKthrxz5h
Verhulst previously stated on air that the air between them has been cleared and that the Dutch comedian is welcome back. When informed of these remarks by a Shownieuws reporter, Huijbregts offered a brief response. “Oh, well then it’s good again. Glad to hear,” he said, followed by, “Well, glad to hear. Yes, top!” Despite stating he holds no personal grudge against Verhulst, the cabaret performer insists the studio environment remains problematic for him. “There are just things that… If I don’t feel safe myself, then I’d rather not be there,” Huijbregts explained.
Media Critics Question the Safety Claim
Television commentators in the Netherlands have questioned Huijbregts’ framing of the incident. Telegraaf-journalist Jordi Versteegden argued during a studio broadcast that the comedian is dragging the issue out unnecessarily. Versteegden suggested that Van Groningen simply misjudged the atmosphere at the Flemish talk show table, which runs less lightheartedly than the studio environment of Vandaag Inside.
Media observer Bart Ettekoven took issue with Huijbregts utilizing the term “unsafe” to describe a basic television disagreement. Ettekoven stated that the comedian is confusing feeling uncomfortable with feeling unsafe, noting that “unsafe” has become a convenient buzzword. Presenter Airen Mylène echoed that sentiment, suggesting “not at ease” would be a more accurate description for a talk show guest facing a stray joke.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Marc-Marie Huijbregts walk off De Tafel van Gert?
Huijbregts walked off the set after guest Thomas van Groningen made jokes about how the comedian is portrayed and mocked on the Dutch talk show Vandaag Inside.
What did Gert Verhulst say about the ongoing boycott?
Gert Verhulst stated publicly that the air between them has been cleared and that Marc-Marie Huijbregts is welcome back on his program whenever he chooses to return.
Which musical premiere was Huijbregts attending when he addressed the feud?
Huijbregts addressed the ongoing television feud while speaking to Shownieuws at the red-carpet premiere of the musical Cabaret, which features Chantal Janzen in the lead role.