The podcast about Theo Maassen’s alleged loose hands comes to an early end. His ex-mistress Angela Degener has decided to quit after one episode. Why?
Angela Degener’s announcement to make a podcast series about the alleged domestic violence by Theo Maassen – she is considered a whistleblower in this case – has generated so many negative reactions that she decided to stop after just one episode. What exactly are the motivations behind that?
Always triggered
Angela says she feels that she is too zealous in this matter, because she is frustrated that Theo seems to be getting away with the alleged domestic violence from his employers. “I was constantly triggered by new reports in the media to respond, to do something, to say something,” she explains.
She notices that it is counterproductive. “I have decided to no longer be involved with the Theo Maassen story. Indeed, all is said, done, written.”
Story has been told
It hurts Angela that both BNNVARA and VPRO seem to turn a blind eye to domestic violence. “For example, when I read about a denial about domestic violence or when I heard about the broadcasters who looked away or who downplayed the serious abuse, I always had the feeling that I had to put things right.”
Angela is going to try to deal with that better. “I realized yesterday that it is no longer up to me to have to put something right or correct something. I also thought I could correct things that felt like injustice through the podcast, but now I realize that this is not necessary at all. My story has been told. There is nothing more to add to that.”
Media storms
Her job is done, according to Angela. “I will make great podcasts about completely different things in the future. Things that cannot be completely taken out of context and sometimes even cause media storms.”
She concludes: “I’m letting it all go and focusing on the beautiful things in life again.”