Wilbert Gieske: Aangifte na Valse Overlijdensberichten

False reports of celebrity deaths are becoming increasingly common, causing distress to individuals, their families, and the entertainment industry. Recently, Wilbert Gieske, known for his long-running role as Robert in the popular Dutch soap opera GTST, became the latest target of this disturbing trend.

A Growing Problem

Gieske discovered another false report claiming his death. He stated, “Mijn vrienden en familie zijn zich het apezuur geschrokken” – “My friends and family were terribly shocked.” This incident follows a similar experience for Jette van der Meij, another actor from GTST. The spread of these false reports poses a real threat to Gieske’s career.

He explained that in his profession, it’s “erg lastig” – very difficult – if theater makers and producers believe he is no longer alive. RTL, the broadcaster, has condemned the practice, calling it “zeer kwalijk” – very wrong – and emphasizing the harm it causes to actors and their loved ones.

Did You Know? Approximately forty public figures in the Netherlands have been targeted by this type of online deception in the past year.

The Source of the Deception

Investigations by AD, in collaboration with Nieuwscheckers, suggest a Vietnamese network is behind many of these false reports. Since 2024, this network has been exploiting the popularity of television programs like B&B Vol Liefde and GTST, directing traffic to questionable websites through these fabricated articles.

The issue extends beyond GTST. Presenter Henny Huisman was also targeted with AI-manipulated images and a false report of his death due to “gezondheidsproblemen” – health problems. Huisman expressed his outrage, stating, “Ze kloten niet alleen met mij, maar ook met mijn familie” – “They are not only messing with me, but also with my family.”

Expert Insight: The ease with which these false reports can be created and disseminated highlights the challenges of combating misinformation in the digital age. The emotional toll on the individuals and families targeted is significant, and the potential for professional damage is substantial.

What Happens Next?

While the Public Prosecutor’s Office considers the actions “heel kwalijk” – very wrong – and indicates prosecution is possible, Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, appears to be taking limited action. Increased pressure from authorities and the public could lead to more robust measures to remove these false reports and identify the perpetrators. A possible next step could involve further investigation into the Vietnamese network and its methods. It is also likely that more public figures will become targets unless effective countermeasures are implemented.

Frequently Asked Questions

What impact do these false death reports have on the victims?

The reports cause significant emotional distress to the individuals and their families, as evidenced by the reactions of Wilbert Gieske and Henny Huisman. They also create professional difficulties for those working in fields where their public image and availability are crucial.

Who is believed to be responsible for spreading these false reports?

Investigations suggest a Vietnamese network is behind many of the false reports, exploiting the popularity of television programs to drive traffic to dubious websites.

What is the current response from social media platforms?

While the Public Prosecutor’s Office considers the actions serious, Meta Platforms, the parent company of Facebook, appears to be taking limited action to address the issue.

How might the entertainment industry better protect its members from these kinds of malicious online attacks?

Wilbert Gieske: Aangifte na Valse Overlijdensberichten | GTST Acteur