Douwe Bob has left the Netherlands on the advice of the police. According to the singer and his management, his safety is at stake.
The singer’s management confirmed to the press agency ANP that Douwe Bob is in a police car with his family. “His safety is seriously at stake. Had to call 112 this afternoon.” Earlier, the 32-year-old singer had already announced on Instagram that he had fled the Netherlands.
The police were not immediately available for questions from NU.nl on Tuesday evening, but later stated via X that they are working on an investigation and are therefore reluctant to answer questions. “Moreover, we never make announcements about security advice and measures.”
There has been a lot of commotion about the singer in recent days. Douwe Bob revealed on Sunday evening at Renze that he had received death threats after refusing to perform at a Jewish children’s football event in Amsterdam.
The singer says he did that because upon arrival he was confronted with “Zionist posters and pamphlets”. “That’s why I decided to leave the event.”
Douwe Bob says that the situation has worsened in recent days. “In the media and by politicians, the image is painted that I did not want to play for children because of their Jewish background. If I heard that about myself, I would honestly be furious too. But this is a total lie.”
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Douwe Bob on canceled performance: ‘I couldn’t sell this to myself’
VVD leader Yesilgöz accused Douwe Bob of Jew-hatred
In recent days, the singer has mainly criticized VVD leader Dilan Yesilgöz. She had accused the singer of “Jew-hatred” on X. His management had previously contacted the party leader by e-mail, requesting her to nuance her statements on social media.
Earlier on Tuesday, Yesilgöz said she still stood by that statement. She also suggested having coffee with Douwe Bob, but the singer saw no added value in that.