Reality Star Defends Son’s Customary Earring Amid Online Criticism
A growing debate over cultural practices and infant safety has erupted after a reality television personality publicly addressed concerns regarding her son’s ear piercing. The discussion began following the online sharing of a video showcasing the child’s frist steps, quickly escalating into a conversation about the size and weight of the earring.
The controversy unfolded on Facebook, where the mother, identified as Gerda, responded to a wave of comments expressing worry about the jewelry. “What a gorgeous guy, but that earring is to heavy,” one follower commented, a sentiment echoed by others who questioned whether the earring posed a safety risk. Another user expressed concern that the earring could “get caught on something.”
Gerda swiftly defended the practice, explaining that her son, Jelle, is wearing “a cutter earring especially for small children.” She asserted that the earring is “not too heavy for his ear” and, if compared to an adult-sized earring, “you would clearly see the difference.” She emphasized that Jelle experiences no discomfort and intends to continue the tradition.
“Despite what anyone else thinks, Jelle keeps his earring in,” Gerda wrote. “It is an Urk tradition and we simply honor it.” The mother concluded her post with a plea: “Can we be just as nice about traditions from now on?”
The Urk tradition of ear piercing for young boys is a longstanding cultural practice within the community. While the origins and specific meanings of the tradition are not detailed in the available information, it clearly holds importance for Gerda and her family.
This incident highlights the increasing scrutiny faced by parents navigating cultural practices in the age of social media. The online backlash underscores the challenges of balancing personal beliefs with public perception and safety concerns.
Gerda and her husband, Klaas, are also parents to a daughter, Mathilde Lydia. Gerda’s twin sister, Mathilde, recently welcomed a daughter named Gerda in February 2025. Both sisters underwent stomach reduction surgery earlier this month.
The debate surrounding Jelle’s earring serves as a reminder of the diverse perspectives on parenting and cultural preservation, and the potential for online discourse to amplify both support and criticism.
Who: Gerda, a reality television personality, and her son, Jelle, were at the center of the controversy.
What: gerda defended her decision to have her young son, Jelle, wear a traditional earring, sparking a debate online about cultural practices and child safety.
Why: Online commenters expressed concern about the earring’s weight and potential safety hazards. Gerda explained it was a “cutter earring” designed for children and part of the Urk tradition.
How it ended: Gerda firmly stated Jelle would continue wearing the earring, emphasizing the importance of respecting cultural traditions, and asked for more kindness in online discussions. The article does not indicate a resolution to the broader debate, but Gerda has maintained her position.
