On Monday, the Dutch Public Prosecution Service demanded sentences of up to fourteen years in prison for Anthony J. and Nancy J., the alleged exploiters of reality star Samantha de Jong - better known as Barbie. The two are said to have misled her and pressured her into working in prostitution.
(source: rtl/boulevard)
For De Jong, who has regularly made headlines in recent years with personal struggles and media comebacks, it now comes down to one thing: recognition. “Finally hearing it said out loud that she was wronged means more to her than the length of the sentence,” said her lawyer Sébas Diekstra.
Advert with another woman, but “Barbie is also there”
According to the Public Prosecution Service, Anthony and Nancy J. used a cunning method to lure Samantha in and exploit her. For example, they placed a sex ad using another woman’s photos, but the text explicitly said that 'Barbie' was also at the house.
And it didn't stop there. The suspects reportedly put pressure on her with threats, including sending intimate videos to the media or physical violence if she didn't cooperate.
From reality star to victim
Samantha de Jong became known to the general public through shows like Oh Oh Cherso and Barbie’s Wereld. But her fame came with personal struggles, which were regularly splashed across the media. This case shows how her fame was actually used against her.
Still, Samantha has also tried to find her own path back. Among other things, she's active on the platform FanCentro, where she offers her own content to fans. FansDirect.nl, an independent news site about creators and influencers, previously published an in-depth review of her profile. It made clear that Samantha is trying to take back control of her own image - although the contrast with her past remains painful.
Verdict pending
The Public Prosecution Service (OM) sees the case as a serious example of human trafficking, deception and blackmail. We'll find out soon whether the court goes along with the heavy sentencing demands. For now, Samantha mostly feels relieved that her story is being taken seriously: “I want people to understand what was done to me.”
