Tim Hofman claims that former LPF State Secretary Cees van Leeuwen punched him in the face. Van Leeuwen also allegedly pushed a cameraman from the program BOOS. He says he was lured into a trap by Hofman.
Van Leeuwen was asked by the magazine Backstage Gold to talk to a music journalist about his years as bassist of the pop band Kayak. He agreed and made an appointment at a beach bar in Katwijk.
When Van Leeuwen arrived, Hofman was also there with a camera. The BNNVARA presenter wanted to talk to the former State Secretary about a rent dispute. Several tenants claim that they have paid too much rent for a long time.
The tenants claim that the rent commission decided in their favor and demand a rent reduction and a ‘compensation’ of 40,000 euros. Van Leeuwen says he cannot be held responsible for the exploitation because it belongs to a foundation.
‘I was not in control’
Van Leeuwen says he became “emotional” when Hofman confronted him. “I was not in control and got angry because Hofman tricked me with a false pretext,” he told De Telegraaf.
“Then I pushed that camera while he walked with me and asked questions,” he continues. “That you are so low to invent a whole story, while you can also just approach me. I have nothing to hide.”
Hofman confirms the incident to De Telegraaf. “He became upset, he kicked in a camera and punched me in the face. Nothing serious,” he says.
BNNVARA also confirms that the incident took place. The whole story will be broadcast in an episode of BOOS, which is expected to be seen in July.