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.
Entertainment
Gregg Wallace: Over half of allegations against MasterChef presenter substantiated, including one of unwanted physical contact
An investigation into Gregg Wallace’s “inappropriate behaviour” on MasterChef has found that more than half of the allegations against him have been substantiated, including one of “unwanted physical contact”.
MasterChef’s production company Banijay UK shared a summary of its report into historical allegations of misconduct against the 60-year-old presenter, carried out by independent law firm Lewis Silkin over seven months.
The report also said the number of sustained allegations made Wallace’s return to MasterChef “untenable”.
The investigation heard evidence from 78 witnesses, including 41 complainants.
There were 83 allegations against Wallace, and 45 of them were substantiated. All were related to MasterChef.
While the majority of the substantiated allegations related to inappropriate sexual language and humour, a smaller number of allegations of other inappropriate language and being in a state of undress were also substantiated.
One allegation of unwanted physical contact was substantiated.
Nearly all the allegations against Wallace were related to behaviour which is said to have occurred between 2005 and 2018, with just one substantiated allegation taking place post-2018.
Wallace and Anne-Marie Sterpini in 2014
Ahead of the publication of the summary, Wallace had said he had been “cleared of the most serious and sensational accusations” made against him.
Additionally, the report summary found that there were also 10 standalone allegations about other people between 2012 and 2018/2019, two of which were substantiated. Those people were not named in the summary.
The investigation found that complaints had previously been raised with the production company between 2005 and 2024.
Gregg Wallace on MasterChef. Pic: BBC/ Shine TV 2024
While the report flagged inadequate reporting procedures prior to 2016, when Endemol merged with Shine ahead of Banijay acquiring Endemol Shine in 2020, it said there were significant improvements to HR processes and training after 2016.
While the investigation said some formal action was taken by the BBC in 2017, it also noted the corporation held no information regarding concerns raised over Wallace centrally, resulting in issues being addressed as a first offence.
Sky News has tried to contact Gregg Wallace for contact today.
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