Dennis Schouten denies that his death wish is some kind of publicity stunt, intended to boost sales of his biography. “I only earn one euro per book sold!”
Only 28 years old, but already done with life: the news that Dennis Schouten wants to end his life within a few years has hit home hard. But because of his riotous background – he is the presenter of RoddelPraat – there are also many skeptics. They think he just wants to boost sales of his new biography.
A PR stunt?
Dennis now denies that it was a PR stunt. “Frequently asked question: Is this a PR stunt to sell a book or is this real? I earn about one euro per book sold. It would be incredibly crazy if I made up a story like that to sell a book,” he writes X.
When your existential despair is worth less than a cup of coffee… RTL Boulevard star Rob Goossens is surprised. “Just 1 euro? Then you have been scammed.”
1 euro per book
Dennis doesn’t know. “I don’t understand it. Starting publisher, everything has been outsourced. This didn’t cost me anything either. Yes, a lot of time.”
Jan Dijkgraaf, the biographer of the Meilandjes, is surprised. “Poor negotiations.”
A certain Robbert cynically, referring to the defamation case against Maxime Meiland: “But Dennis’s may remain on the market again.”
‘That’s too dirty’
Columnist Hester Zitvast does not believe any of the critics who claim that Dennis’ death wish is a PR stunt. “I do not believe that. Not really. Stunting with this subject is too dirty, even for RoddelPraat (I hope),” she writes Flair.
She continues: “I think it is more than courageous that Dennis dares to discuss this. Choose the words carefully for your possible response to Dennis, even if he does not always do so himself. There may also be people reading along who are in the same struggle with life. Sometimes silence is fine.”
What does 113 think?
What does 113 Suicide Prevention actually think of Dennis being so open about his death wish? “It is not a message that gives young people courage, it can actually trigger or make them despondent. People can recognize themselves in it and think; Should I even think about an ending?”, says press officer Scarlet Hemkes Margriet.
The suicide line is also busier now, she says. “Although we obviously cannot say what the cause of this is, the news was mentioned several times by those seeking help. People have seen it, recognize it and want to talk about it.”
You can talk about suicidal thoughts anonymously: chat via www.113.nlcall 113 or call free 0800-0113.