Flemish public broadcaster VRT will screen the controversial documentary on Flemish producer Bart De Pauw after all, after it was previously removed from the broadcaster's programme due to several complaints.
De Pauw, a well-known television producer, actor and public figure, came into disrepute in 2017 after 13 women made complaints of sexual misconduct and inappropriate behaviour. In 2021, he was found guilty of five counts of stalking and one count of nuisance by means of electronic communication devices and given a suspended prison sentence of six months.
The women, including several well-known Flemish actresses, initially wanted to remain anonymous but decided to come forward to tell their side of the story following a press leak in which their names were made public, which sparked controversy.
A three-part documentary entitled 'Het proces dat niemand wou' ('The trial no one wanted') shows several of the women recounting their experiences with De Pauw. He was also asked to give his side of the story, but refused to cooperate.
Error of judgement
Earlier this month, VRT Director General Frederik Delaplace decided to withdraw the documentary on the grounds that De Pauw was about to make a public apology.
The public broadcaster wanted to "give the parties involved every opportunity to discuss the matter," said Delaplace. "Therefore, the temporary postponement of the linear broadcast of the documentary was justified."
This, however, resulted in around 200 people from the cultural sector sending an open letter to Flemish Media Minister Benjamin Dalle, criticising the "unilateral" decision by VRT's Director General to suspend the documentary. The signatories, who included actresses, television directors and a number of faces from the Flemish public service, also accused Delaplace of playing both sides.
Now, VRT has called the decision to take the documentary off the air a "serious error of judgement" in a press release. The broadcaster apologised and announced that it will be screened after all. "Over the past few days, it has become clear that by postponing the series indefinitely, we have achieved exactly the opposite of what we intended."
"Our decision now seems to stand in the way of further steps towards a mea culpa. Further postponement of the linear broadcast no longer makes sense."
The documentary 'The trial no one wanted' details the experiences of eight of Bart De Pauw's victims. Credit: Streamz
The three-part documentary will be broadcast from Wednesday. By putting the documentary back on the air, VRT hopes to "restore trust" and to ensure that the talks between the victims and De Pauw – which have in the meantime begun – can continue peacefully.
"It is the right decision to broadcast 'The trial no one wanted'," said the Flemish Media Minister on social media. "It provides the clarity that was needed, for the sake of the women involved."
