Previous winners of the program The smartest person They spoke out against racist reactions to rapper Akwasi's participation in the programme. Due to this reaction, broadcast station KRO-NCRV immediately stopped using the social media platform X.
Winners of previous seasons of The smartest person He posted a statement on social media during Tuesday's broadcast. Among them are Jacob Derwig, Lisa Loeb, Klas Dijkhove, Astrid Kirssbohm, and Arjen Lobach.
“We find it painful to read that post The smartest person This has led to a lot of hateful comments being exchanged, and now in particular, racial slurs. “We think this is a very bad thing,” they wrote.
Akwasi has appeared in testing in recent days. Omroep ZWART boss received many negative and racist reactions to X. He lost to comedian Peter Herchopp in the final on Tuesday.
“The Smartest Person is the best cognitive test in the Netherlands, with participants from all kinds of different backgrounds and from all kinds of media, art, culture, politics and journalism,” the previous winners said in their statement.
“As diverse as the participants are, so are the viewers and past winners The smartest person After our participation, we received congratulations from all segments of society.”
Akwasi was “deeply moved” by the expressions of support
Akwasi is “deeply impressed” by the winners’ initiative. Mentions of participation The smartest person One of his best television experiences ever.
“I laughed, had fun and learned. All the reactions to X don't change that at all. I've become immune to it. I only value words from people I know, not words from anonymous accounts on
Meanwhile, Akwasi notes that he was “deeply shocked” by the reactions. “There are days when you are not aware of this side of Holland. In recent days, I have become aware of it again. There is still a long way to go.”
“Travel specialist. Typical social media scholar. Friend of animals everywhere. Freelance zombie ninja. Twitter buff.”