The police have received five formal complaints and 20 new reports of sexual assault involving people connected to the The Voice of Holland television talent show since the scandal broke last month.

In addition, dozens more people have come forward to report that they have been sexually assaulted or abused, police said in a statement on Monday.

‘A broad social debate has started up about sexually inappropriate behaviour… and our sex crimes teams are now busier than usual,’ the national force said in a statement on Monday.

‘It is more than just victims connected to TVOH,’ the police said. ‘Most phone calls have nothing to do with the programme, but could be reports of assault, rape and abuse dating back years.’

The police have declined to give any more details about the new TVOH cases which have been reported in the interests of the privacy of the victim. The new cases are now being assessed for possible follow-ups.

It is up to victims whether or not to make a report or a formal complaint, and only formal reports are the subject of a criminal investigation if the public prosecution department agrees there may be a case to answer.

The YouTube documentary about sexual intimidation and abuse surrounding The Voice of Holland talent show detailed a long list of claims about sexual abuse, inappropriate comments and behaviour and even one instance of rape.

Complaints have been made about two judges on the show, the band leader and a director. The programme has since been dropped from the schedules while the investigation continues.

Football

Meanwhile, the Dutch football association has said it is shocked by recent #metoo related events at Amsterdam football club Ajax which have led to the surprise resignation of director Marc Overmars.

The association has urged all victims of sexually inappropriate behaviour to report it ‘no matter how difficult that may be’.