Belgian broadcaster orders inquiry into quiz show contestant

Belgian broadcaster Play has appointed a lawyer to examine social media allegations of inappropriate behaviour involving a contestant on the television quiz show De Slimste Mens ter Wereld.

Play told entertainment outlet Showbizzsite that Christine Mussche would conduct what it described as an independent external investigation. It said it took such reports seriously but did not want a “trial by social media”.

Nieuws.nl, citing Belgian news agency Belga, reported that the online allegations concerned content creator Bruine Mehdi, whose real name is Mehdi El Hadri. Play has not named the contestant. Nieuws.nl also reported that influencer Flore Pensaert had posted a video alleging inappropriate behaviour by him towards girls.

Play said that, as of 10 November, no formal complaint from an official authority had reached the broadcaster or the show’s production company, Woestijnvis. Mussche said such allegations should be taken seriously but warned that premature conclusions could harm those involved.

Play, Woestijnvis and Mussche said they would not comment further until the investigation was complete.