Wim Hof film ‘on hold’ after allegations of abuse
A film about “The Iceman” Wim Hof has been put on hold after his former partner alleged he subjected her and her children to years of abuse.
It follows allegations in the Dutch newspaper de Volkskrant on Saturday that Hof physically and psychologically abused his ex-girlfriend, their son, and her two eldest children for thirteen years.
Hof, 65, has denied all allegations, has said he “is not violent,” and claimed his ex is on “the warpath” and “now wants to make it all seem different than it was”.
He has since filed a complaint for alleged defamation and slander.
Hof’s eldest son, Enahm Hof, who was mentioned in the article, said in a statement given to The Guardian newspaper that the allegations of abuse were “entirely false,” calling them “grossly exaggerated” and “deeply hurtful”.
He said his father “did not recognise” many of the accusations mentioned in the Dutch paper.
Sky News has reached out to representatives for Hof for comment.
The movie biopic had been set to star Joseph Fiennes as the eccentric health guru, who gained worldwide prominence for his love of cold-water training. Fiennes was also listed as a co-producer.
The British production company behind the film said in a statement: “Genesius Pictures can confirm that due to the severity of the allegations, this production, which was in development only and had not begun filming, is on hold”.
The film also had director Kevin Macdonald and screenwriter Jeff Pope attached, and was set to explore Hof’s rise to fame from a struggling single father and postman to a world-famous health guru, with a legion of celebrity fans.
Titled The Iceman, it was announced in 2022, and had previously been billed as an “inspiring”, “moving” and “at times very funny”.
The website for the film has since been taken offline.
Pic: Horst Galuschka/picture-alliance/dpa/AP
Controversial method
Born in the Netherlands, Hof, was one of nine children and has an identical twin brother. He is a father of four.
His first wife took her own life in 1995, with Hof previously saying his time spent in freezing water was the only time he didn’t think about the loss.
In 2007, Hof completed an Arctic marathon barefoot, but the same year had to abort a mission to climb Mount Everest wearing just shorts and sandals due to a foot injury.
Despite his fame and legion of celebrity fans, there has been controversy over his method of using freezing water and breathing techniques to improve health.
Family members of a number of people who died while allegedly attempting Hof’s methods have previously raised concerns over the safety of the wellness trend.
While the NHS says cold therapy can help reduce swelling and pain, it also says it can cause cold shock, which can lead to hyperventilation, increased blood pressure, and muscle weakness. It warns that it can be dangerous for people with heart conditions.
British drama Adolescence has seen its lead stars all nominated for Golden Globe awards.
The drama, starring Stephen Graham, depicts the aftermath of the stabbing of a teenage girl, as a 13-year-old boy from her school is arrested for her murder. It was one of the most talked-about shows of the year.
Young Owen Cooper is up for best supporting actor. Pic:Netflix
Graham, along with Owen Cooper, Ashley Walters and Erin Doherty are all up for gongs. It follows a host of wins at the Emmys in September.
Receiving five nominations in total, the Netflix limited series was only beaten by HBO’s White Lotus, which got six nods, coming top in the TV category.
Cynthia Erivo was nominated for her role in the Wicked sequel, Wicked For Good, while British stars Gary Oldman, Helen Mirren and Aimee Lou Wood also got recognition for their roles in Slow Horses, Mobland and The White Lotus, respectively.
Mirren will also be awarded one of the Globe’s two lifetime achievement awards, the Cecil B DeMille Award, announced a few days before the ceremony in the New Year.
Emily Blunt picked up a surprise nomination for her role in The Smashing Machine, opposite Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson – who also got a nod for the sports biopic.
Tessa Thompson was recognised for her role in Hedda, a modern re-telling of Henrik Ibsen’s classic play.
Irish stars Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley were both nominated for Hamnet, the adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s book about William Shakespeare and his wife Agnes. The movie isn’t out in the UK until January.
Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo at the London premiere for Wicked: For Good
Ryan Coogler (L) and Michael B Jordan at the Sinners premiere. Pic: AP
Films, TV – and podcasts
Unlike other awards, the Globes cover both TV and film and are split by genre, falling into either the drama or comedy and musical category – meaning a wealth of nominees are in the running.
This year, there are 28 categories.
In the film category, One Battle After Another, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, led the nominations with nine, followed by Norwegian comedy-drama Sentimental Value with eight, and vampire horror Sinners with seven.
Leonardo DiCaprio in a scene from One Battle After Another.
Pic: Warner Bros/AP
KPop Demon Hunters continued its world domination with three nominations – best animated film, cinematic and box office achievement and original song – making an Oscar nod further down the line look more and more likely.
New to this year’s nominations is a category for podcasts. Selected from a long list of the 25 most-listened to shows, Good Hang With Amy Poehler, Armchair Expert With Dax Shepard and Call Her Daddy were among the casts that made the cut.
Sarah Jessica Parker will be honoured with the Carol Burnett Award.
Now in comeback mode, the Globes had previously faced criticism over a lack of diversity in the organisation, which led to the event being held behind closed doors in 2022.
The 83rd Golden Globes ceremony will take place in LA on 11 January, and will be hosted by US comedian Nikki Glaser for the second year running.
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