Robbert Rodenburg, a 27-year-old Dutch presenter, has made headlines after his latest episode of the online series Open Kaart, featuring Sylvie Meis, sparked a wave of backlash. The episode, which aired on April 17, 2025, was meant to be a celebration of Meis's return to the show, but it quickly turned sour as Rodenburg was taken aback by the intense hate reactions that followed.
In his Instagram post on April 18, Rodenburg expressed his shock at the vitriol directed at Meis after their conversation. "I am really shocked by how much hate there is on the Open Kaart conversation with Sylvie Meis," he wrote. "There are such severe and intensely mean reactions that I am deleting them. I believe everyone has the right to their own opinion, but keep it respectful. Not just in this case, but overall on the internet... Having respect is really not that difficult, in my opinion." His comments reflect a growing concern about the culture of online harassment, which has become increasingly prevalent in recent years.
Meis, 47, who has previously appeared on Open Kaart, discussed her love life during the episode and addressed negative comments made by the men from the talk show Vandaag Inside. Although she claimed that such comments did not affect her, she did not shy away from criticizing John de Mol, the head of the network that airs the show. "I think: old white men. They are probably frustrated, very frustrated. What is surprising is that we live in a culture where everyone gets canceled nowadays, yet these kinds of men still get a platform. Networks should really think about that. And especially the one who owns the network should consider it, right, John de Mol?"
Meis also opened up about the emotional toll of a traumatic experience she endured in 2023, when her home was burglarized and 25 expensive Hermès bags were stolen. She revealed that the incident left her feeling unsafe for a long time and took her eight to nine months to process. "Because someone is in your house and takes things you have collected for 20 years. It was a feeling of insecurity. You cannot imagine that you can ever sleep there normally again," she recalled.
Despite the negativity surrounding the episode, Rodenburg expressed his happiness about having Meis as a guest. "I was very happy to have Sylvie as a guest again. I found it a party to have her on the show," he stated, emphasizing the positive aspects of their conversation that he felt were overshadowed by the backlash.
As the online discourse around the episode continues to unfold, it raises important questions about the responsibilities of public figures and the impact of social media on public discourse. Rodenburg's decision to delete hateful comments highlights the challenge many face in navigating the complexities of online interactions while trying to maintain a respectful dialogue.
Rodenburg's experience is not an isolated incident; many public figures have faced similar scrutiny in the age of social media. The phenomenon of "cancel culture" has sparked debates about accountability versus freedom of expression, and the line between criticism and hate speech can often be blurred. The reactions to Rodenburg's episode serve as a reminder of the power of social media to amplify voices, both supportive and critical.
In the wake of the episode, it remains to be seen how Rodenburg and Meis will navigate the fallout. Will they continue to engage with their audiences on social media, or will they take a step back to reassess their approach? One thing is clear: the conversation around respect and civility in online spaces is more crucial than ever.
As viewers await the next episode of Open Kaart, many are left wondering how public figures can balance their personal narratives with the expectations and reactions of their audiences. The dialogue surrounding Rodenburg and Meis's episode is just one chapter in a larger story about the evolving relationship between celebrities and their fans in the digital age.
