Merel Ek, known for her work on the talk show Vandaag Inside, remains in the eye of a media storm following comments from prominent television authority Tina Nijkamp regarding her choice of seating. Despite public criticism suggesting that her use of a relax chair paints an image of passivity, Ek has defended her position, attributing her choice to health concerns stemming from her pregnancy.
On March 19, 2025, during an episode of Vandaag Inside, Nijkamp openly criticized Merel for her increasingly relaxed demeanor while seated in the chair. Nijkamp argued, “It's exaggerated that she has to sit in a relax chair,” pointing out how it conveys an extremely passive image to viewers. This criticism has sparked a dialogue about professionalism and comfort in television hosting, particularly for expectant mothers.
The host of Vandaag Inside, Wilfred Genee, responded lightheartedly to the criticism directed at Merel, asking his co-hosts if they believe her sitting position is dynamic or not. Fellow host René van der Gijp noted that the perception of Ek's performance is, ultimately, subjective: “It goes naturally about what she thinks. If she finds it comfortable, why not?”
Merel did not shy away from the conversation. With a touch of humor, she admitted, “I become lazy, huh?” This self-deprecating remark opened up a larger discussion regarding the realities of her pregnancy and how it affects her professional duties. “It’s really nice,” she contentedly stated about her position in the chair, revealing that she experiences low blood pressure and sometimes feels dizzy due to her pregnancy. This medical condition was significant in her decision to take a more relaxed posture during the show.
During the same episode, Raymond Mens, another host on the show, chimed in with his observation of Merel’s relaxed posture. He remarked, “You do look very lazy in that chair,” further fueling the debate about her professionalism. However, he also admitted, “It looks less active, that’s true,” which highlighted the conflicting feelings around her appearance and the comfort she seeks.
Interestingly, shortly after her criticism, Tina Nijkamp found herself in the same relax chair on the program, leading to a comedic moment where Genee quipped, “If you criticize one of our people, you're in trouble for it, huh?” This created a moment of levity, as Nijkamp herself acknowledged the chair's comfort, stating, “Honestly, it sits quite well,” thus softening her earlier admonition about Merel’s choice of seating.
Despite the apparent concern about image, Merel has remained unapologetic about her choice. She expressed indifference to the views of her critics, stating, “There are likely more people who think: what’s that girl doing in that chair? They can think that, right?” This sentiment underscores her confidence in managing both her health and her responsibilities as a co-host.
The conversation around Merel Ek and the relax chair reveals a broader issue regarding public perceptions of women in media, particularly those who are pregnant. As television continues to evolve, the need for accommodating hosts while maintaining a dynamic presence on screen invites ongoing discussions of professionalism. Viewers and industry insiders alike often grapple with the balance between comfort and public perception. As society's views on parental duties and workplace expectations change, the industry faces an imperative to adapt and reflect these evolving norms.
In conclusion, Merel Ek’s commitment to prioritize her health during pregnancy has clashed with traditional expectations of appearance and demeanor in television. Her stance serves as a reminder of the growing recognition of maternal needs in the workplace, as well as the challenges women face in balancing personal health with professional commitments. As conversations around such topics continue, they reflect a shifting landscape in media representation and the ongoing debates surrounding women’s roles both in front of and behind the camera.
