Wim Hof’s ex-partner has accused him of physical and sexual abuse, labelling him a ‘mean drunk’ with an ‘explosive character’ in a recent interview.
The project about Hof’s life as the ‘Iceman’ is halting production temporarily following these allegations. His former partner claims he abused her, their son, and her two children from a previous marriage for about 13 years.
Caroline contacted a Dutch newspaper, stating that she and her family endured Hof’s abuse as his fame grew. Hof denies all allegations.
Who is Wim Hof?
Hof gained fame through the ‘Wim Hof Method’, known for its breathing exercises and cold showers.
In 2022, Hof trained a group of celebrities in cold exposure for the BBC show “Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof”, hosted by Lee Mack and Holly Willoughby.
Caroline and her family have reportedly not seen Hof for 11 years. Their 21-year-old son Noah is not in contact with his father.
Devastating article by two Dutch investigative journalists about Wim Hof, ‘The Ice Man’. In 6,804 words, they reveal a pattern of violence, rape and abuse, and describe how his son Noah developed PTSD.
Meanwhile, Hollywood is making a biopic about him, starring Joseph Fiennes. pic.twitter.com/k0hnPfKODx
— Rutger Bregman (@rcbregman) September 28, 2024
The newspaper reported for Caroline and her family, ‘Wim Hof’ is synonymous with years of aggression, physical violence, humiliation, manipulation, and, in Caroline’s case, sexual abuse.
They describe Hof as a mean drunk with an explosive personality and delusions of grandeur.
In response, Hof states, ‘It is obvious that she’s on the warpath and now wants to make everything look different from how it was.’ He adds that Caroline always knew how to quickly get under his skin and insists he has never been violent.
Hof was reportedly fined £291 and sentenced to 40 hours of community service in 2012 for assaulting Christiaan, Caroline’s son. A temporary restraining order was also issued to keep him away from the family, citing physical violence and death threats.
The Wim Hof method
Earlier this year, Hof became emotional while discussing how cold water therapy helped him cope with the death of his wife, Olaya, who took her own life in 1995.
The Wim Hof Method combines deep breathing, cold water exposure, and a focused mindset, claiming to improve health and happiness.
Hof has previously touted the benefits of reconnecting with nature through his method, which includes taking cold showers to exercise the cardiovascular system.
He claims cold therapy can treat depression, with full submersion significantly increasing adrenaline and dopamine levels, which help moderate symptoms.
Hof states that the method reduces stress, improves energy levels, and enhances blood flow, leading to better overall health.
He explains that breathing exercises reduce inflammation and regulate the body, while cold exposure strengthens muscles, veins, and capillaries.
According to Hof, the right mindset and focus can unlock these health benefits by letting go of personal ego and focusing on the body.
‘We all have this power. When you go into the cold, you’re not thinking anymore, you’re just doing,’ Hof said.
What Other Media Are Saying
- NL Times reports the biopic of “Iceman” Wim Hof is pausing production over serious domestic violence allegations, detailing years of abuse by Hof against his ex and their children. (Read more)
- Mamamia reports on Wim Hof facing allegations of domestic violence, manipulation, and emotional abuse by his ex-partner Caroline, exposing a starkly different reality behind his wellness fame. (Read more)
- The Telegraph reports that production of the Wim Hof biopic ‘The Iceman’ has halted due to allegations of 13 years of domestic abuse against the wellness guru and his family. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What are the accusations against Wim Hof?
Physical and sexual abuse by his former partner, Caroline.
Has Wim Hof responded to the allegations?
Yes, Hof denies the allegations and claims he was never violent.
What is the Wim Hof Method?
The Wim Hof Method involves deep breathing, cold water exposure, and a focused mindset.
What benefits does Wim Hof claim his method provides?
Hof claims it helps reduce stress, improve blood flow, and increase energy.
Why was the production about Hof’s life paused?
The production is pausing following the abuse accusations against Hof.
