Moroccan TV Contestant’s Dutch Correction Sparks Laughter as Serious Allegations Emerge
Moroccan-born contestant Bruine Mehdi had the audience in stitches on the set of Belgian show « De Slimste Mens ter Wereld » when he corrected James Cooke’s Dutch. His quip about his Moroccan roots particularly amused the audience. The contestant is now, unfortunately, in the news for a very different reason.
The scene takes place during the popular Flemish game show hosted by Erik Van Looy. Bruine Mehdi, a content creator known on social media, says his parents had considered naming him Dimitri. The confession reminds James Cooke, a member of the jury, of an anecdote about Belgian presenter Aster Nzeyimana.
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James Cooke then explains that Aster’s parents had also considered another name, Didier. But he makes a mistake in Dutch, using an incorrect construction with the verb « noemen » (to call) instead of « heten » (to be called).
Mehdi immediately corrects him: « Heten. Didier heten. » James Cooke jokes about how many school years the contestant must have repeated. The latter then comes up with a reply that sets the studio laughing: « It’s pretty bad when you have to have your Dutch corrected by a Moroccan. »
The exchange, reported on November 10 by the Belgian website Vandaag247, showcases Bruine Mehdi’s humor. He is used to making fun of himself and provoking people on social media. Of Moroccan origin, the contestant has been appearing on the popular show since October 29, where he quickly stood out for his quick-witted retorts.
A joke that contrasts with a growing controversy
But just as this amusing clip is resurfacing, Bruine Mehdi, whose real name is Mehdi El Hadri, is at the center of a much more serious controversy. For several days, accounts shared on social media have raised questions about his behavior toward women.
Content creator Flore Pensaert has shared accounts from women who say they had problematic experiences with the contestant. The accounts, which have prompted many reactions in Belgium, led broadcaster Play to step in.
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On November 10, the broadcaster announced that it had asked lawyer Christine Mussche, who specializes in this type of case, to review the reports. The broadcaster said it wanted to take the allegations seriously while avoiding a public condemnation before the facts had been established.
The broadcaster and production company Woestijnvis said they had received no formal complaints from the authorities at the time of their announcement. The independent investigation entrusted to Christine Mussche is intended to examine the accounts and reported facts.
