Entertainment · Celebrity · 17 hrs ago
Marco Borsato seeks more than €431,000 in defence costs from Dutch state
Dutch singer Marco Borsato is asking the state to repay more than €431,000 for costs he says he incurred defending himself in a criminal case.
He was acquitted in late 2025 of indecently touching a minor girl after a four-year legal process.
The request covers mainly lawyers’ fees, as well as expert costs and security for trips to court.
The prosecution questions whether all the claimed costs should be reimbursed, including some legal work and an expert’s opinion that was not included in the judgment.
Borsato says seeking repayment is a matter of principle, and he has begun taking singing lessons as he considers a possible return to music.
The court is expected to decide on 27 November, before any comeback plans move forward.
Marco Borsato is seeking more than €431,000 from the Dutch state for costs he incurred defending himself in a criminal case.
He was acquitted in late 2025 of indecently touching a minor girl, after a legal case lasting four years.
The claim includes lawyers, expert witnesses and private security, but the Public Prosecution Service disputes whether all costs qualify for reimbursement.
Reports differ on the amount sought for lawyers: NOS gives about €389,000, while NU.nl reports €391,000.
The Utrecht court is expected to issue its decision on the claim on 27 November.
- Who
- Singer Marco Borsato is seeking the money from the Dutch state.
- What
- He is claiming more than €431,000 in defence costs after his acquittal.
- When
- The claim was heard on 4 November 2026. A decision is expected on 27 November.
- Where
- The case was heard in a court in Utrecht.
- Why
- Borsato wants reimbursement for legal fees, expert costs and security costs from his criminal case.
Marco Borsato
Dutch Public Prosecution Service
Reimbursement
Marco Borsato
Borsato is seeking more than €431,000 for his defence costs.
Dutch Public Prosecution Service
The Public Prosecution Service questions whether all the claimed amounts qualify for reimbursement.
Lawyers' fees
Marco Borsato
Borsato says he had to hire lawyers because he is a public figure and rumours could be damaging to his career.
Dutch Public Prosecution Service
The prosecution says some billed work, including rebutting media rumours, should not be reimbursed.
Expert costs
Marco Borsato
Borsato is claiming about €35,000 for hired experts.
Dutch Public Prosecution Service
The prosecution notes that an expert's opinion was not included in the court's judgment.
Borsato was acquitted of indecently touching a minor girl after a four-year legal case.
Borsato's claim for defence costs was heard in a Utrecht court.
The court is expected to issue its decision on the reimbursement claim.
- Total claim
- More than €431,000, including VAT
- Lawyer costs
- About €389,000 according to NOS; €391,000 according to NU.nl
- Expert costs
- About €35,000
- Security costs
- About €7,000
- Acquittal
- Late 2025
3 sources
What people are saying
This is a matter of principle.
This is part of the system and for me it is no different than for others.
I want to get on with my life, I want to get on with what I am good at, and that is practising my profession.
What is an acquittal worth if he has to bear the costs himself?