On the evening of April 1, 2025, Dennis Schouten, the presenter of the online program RoddelPraat, was ambushed and shot with a paintball gun outside his studio in Amersfoort. The shocking incident unfolded as Schouten was parking his car, where he was targeted by two individuals—one firing the paintball gun while the other recorded the attack.
According to reports, approximately 30 paintball shots were fired, causing damage to nearby vehicles and startling bystanders. Schouten recounted that he was hit multiple times and even sought refuge in a nearby office, where shots continued to be fired. "I thought it was blood at first, but thankfully it turned out to be paint," Schouten later stated on Instagram, emphasizing the fear he felt during the ordeal.
The incident was revealed to be a prank orchestrated by the YouTube channel Malle Joepoe, known for its controversial stunts. However, Schouten did not find the humor in the situation. "Violence is not humor. When you do that, the joke is just over," he remarked, highlighting the seriousness of the attack.
Employees of a printing company located in the same building expressed their shock at the incident. Richard, a worker there, noted, "They kept shooting even inside. If I had been walking there, I could have been blinded. This is not a joke; this is dangerous." Both Schouten and Richard have filed police reports regarding the incident.
Schouten's experience is not an isolated case. He mentioned that he and his team often face threats, which amplifies the impact of such pranks. "We are frequently threatened, so actions like this are even more frightening," he explained. The presenter indicated that footage of the incident would be aired during the next episode of RoddelPraat on April 2, 2025, suggesting that he may seek to turn the tables on those responsible for the prank.
In a broader context, this incident reflects a troubling trend where social media influencers and public figures are increasingly becoming targets of dangerous pranks. For instance, fellow influencer Jade Anna was recently sprayed with a water pistol as part of a similar prank challenge, which highlights the risks that come with such antics.
As the story unfolds, it raises important questions about the boundaries of humor and the responsibility of content creators in the digital age. The line between entertainment and endangerment is becoming increasingly blurred, and many are calling for a reevaluation of what constitutes acceptable behavior in the quest for views and engagement.
While Schouten managed to escape serious injury, the psychological impact of the event looms large. "I was scared at that moment. I didn’t realize it was a paintball gun right away," he shared, underlining how quickly a seemingly harmless prank can escalate into a terrifying experience.
The police have confirmed that a report has been filed but have not released further details regarding their investigation. As the public awaits more information, Schouten's situation serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of reckless behavior in the name of entertainment.
As the episode of RoddelPraat airs, viewers will get a firsthand look at the chaotic events of that night, along with Schouten's reflections on the incident. This may not only shed light on his personal experience but also contribute to a larger dialogue about safety and accountability in the realm of social media and public life.
In a world where the line between reality and pranks often blurs, Schouten's story might just be the wake-up call needed for both creators and audiences alike to reconsider what is truly funny—and what crosses the line into danger.
