Karlien on Derick Hougaard backlash: ‘I found out with everyone’

Karlien van Jaarsveld has responded to backlash about her silence on ex-husband Derick Hougaard’s health condition, insisting she found out the news with the public.

On Friday, 16 June, Netwerk24 reported that the Springboks player was in a coma due to contracting respiratory pneumonia.

The Afrikaans singer and the rugby player were married from 2013 -2015 and share twin boys, Eliah and Daniel.

However, the exes split into bitter terms after making headlines over their public spats, particularly over their children.

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KARLIEN VAN JAARSVELD DEFENDS HERSELF

Over the weekend, Karlien Jaarsveld shared an Instagram Story reacting to an article written by The South African.

The mom-of-four insisted that she had discovered news of Derick Hougaard’s condition on the same day as the public did.

Karlien also responded to comments from followers who wished her well. She said in Afrikaans: “I always believe in the truth that prevails even though it is also many years after… No one knows our path.”

Speaking to Rapport, Karlien added: “My focus is on assisting the twins through this difficult time. We are praying for his recovery”.

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NADINE: ‘PRAY FOR DERICK HOUGAARD’

Meanwhile, Derrick Hougaard’s girlfriend Nadine – also an Afrikaans singer – has given an update on his condition.

In a Facebook post, the ex-rugby player’s girlfriend of five years reflected on her difficult week,

She shared: “Derick’s condition is unchanged, and he is still terribly sick. I rather share it with you myself. This is how he would have wanted it”.

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She added: “I pray for him every hour. And I tell him about the positive messages and prayers from each of you and his family and friends. I know he hears me.

“Let’s keep our eyes upward directed to the only father who does know everything, knows and is.”