Pulmonologists Furious with Evert Santegoeds After Controversial Advice to Ill Freek: ‘What Were You Thinking?’
The news that Freek Rikkerink, one half of the popular music duo Suzan & Freek, has been diagnosed with incurable lung cancer, has had a profound emotional impact. His diagnosis hit like a sledgehammer—not just for him and his loved ones, but also for fans across the country.
Following the announcement, performances were abruptly canceled, dreams were put on hold, and many were left with a sense of helplessness. Amid this sensitive silence, a controversial voice from the media broke through.
Santegoeds Offers Controversial Advice
Evert Santegoeds, editor-in-chief of Privé magazine, made headlines with a statement on his podcast Strikt Privé. He said he would advise Freek to travel to Frankfurt, where, according to him, there is a lung cancer specialist.
“You naturally think about America or Germany. There's a well-known doctor in Frankfurt. Whether you can get in is another question, but I’d try,” Santegoeds said.
His remark came just days after Suzan & Freek publicly announced the terminal nature of the disease. According to Santegoeds, it sounded as if the couple had accepted the prognosis. “Maybe there’s still a doctor out there who says: let me have a look. If you’ve received a ‘no,’ you might get a ‘yes’ somewhere else,” he added.
Speculation Causes Discomfort and Anger
Santegoeds didn’t stop there; he continued speculating on when Suzan & Freek might have learned of the diagnosis. “Such a judgment isn’t made after just one hour of investigation. There must have been at least two months of biopsies and cultures beforehand,” he claimed.
He further suggested the duo may have already known about Freek’s fate during their recent Ziggo Dome performance. “They were standing there knowing disaster was coming. I have nothing but deep respect for that.”
Though he expressed genuine admiration for their performance under such pressure, he described the diagnosis as “devastating.” “You have to know exactly what kind of cancer you have. It just seems that things aren’t looking good. It’s terrible,” said Santegoeds.
Pulmonologists and the Public React Strongly
Santegoeds’s comments did not go unnoticed. Several pulmonologists publicly criticized him for his unsolicited medical advice. "What were you thinking!" was the sharp reaction from one pulmonologist who preferred to remain anonymous.
The indignation mainly centered on the fact that Santegoeds has no medical background, yet gave medical recommendations in such a deeply personal and sensitive matter.
His podcast also triggered a flurry of reactions on social media. Some people appreciated his involvement and thought it understandable to offer suggestions in such a moment. But many others thought he had crossed a line. “He’s not a doctor. He shouldn’t interfere in such personal medical matters,” one angry user wrote on X (Twitter).
Dutch Versus Foreign Healthcare: An Intense Debate
Santegoeds’s remarks quickly sparked public debate, bringing up the quality of Dutch healthcare. A common response: “Our physicians rank among the world’s best. There’s no need to immediately run abroad.”
At the same time, the incident fueled discussions about trust in foreign specialists and the boundaries of hope. The question remains: should you always try everything in situations like this, or is it better to trust the care you’re given here?
Where is the Line Between Support and Interference?
This situation painfully illustrates how thin the line can be between involvement and interference, especially in the case of well-known public figures. When someone like Freek shares his diagnosis, many feel compelled to get involved or offer unsolicited advice.
But it’s during such vulnerable times that it’s crucial to allow space for peace, processing, and personal choices. Not every suggestion, however well-intended, is appropriate. The situation around Freek touches many people, but also raises broader questions: who is entitled to say something, and when is it better to remain silent?