Belgian authorities are investigating the brazen theft of a controversial infant Jesus figure from a prominent nativity scene in the heart of Brussels. The icon, which had sparked intense debate online for its unconventional design, was taken from its crib on the Grand Place sometime between late Friday night and early Saturday morning on the weekend of 30 November 2025.
The Controversial Artwork and Social Media Storm
The stolen figure was part of a unique nativity installation that became the centre of a social media maelstrom. Artist Victoria-Maria Geyer, a self-professed devout Catholic, crafted the characters from cloth without eyes, noses, or mouths. Her intention was to allow the faithful from "Japan to Namibia" to see themselves in the soft, featureless fabrics, making the biblical story of Christ's birth accessible to "every Catholic, regardless of their background or origins".
However, the artistic vision was not universally appreciated. Georges-Louis Bouchez, head of the centre-right MR party within Belgium's ruling coalition, took to social media platform X to criticise the work. He stated that Geyer's cloth Christ "in no way represent the spirit of Christmas" and likened the figures to "zombie-like" people seen at train stations.
The Theft and Immediate Aftermath
The theft occurred at one of Brussels's most iconic locations. The Grand Place, in the historic old city, hosts a major annual Christmas market that attracted over 4 million visitors the previous year. The centre of the square is dominated by an enormous Christmas tree and a simple white tent housing the manger scene.
Delphine Romanus, deputy director of Brussels Major Events which manages the site, confirmed the theft. She dispelled early, sensational reports that the infant Jesus had been beheaded, clarifying that the entire figure was taken. Romanus noted that in past years, other baby Jesus figurines have been broken or stolen.
Authorities acted swiftly, replacing the stolen figure with a new one. Organisers and security personnel have stated they will keep a closer watch on the manger, though no additional precautions have been implemented so far.
Public Reaction and Defence of Artistic Freedom
Following the theft, public sentiment appears to be shifting. Artist Victoria-Maria Geyer observed that the initial deluge of negative comments on social media has turned more positive in the wake of the crime.
For local residents like Francis De Laveleye, the incident is a sordid affair that crosses a line. Staring at the replacement figure, he expressed dismay that arguments over artistic merit could descend into criminal damage. "What is intolerable is that people attack the work of an artist to damage it and to turn it into a kind of stupid little controversy that ridicules Brussels," he said.
The selection of Geyer's work was part of an annual tradition, jointly made by the local Catholic church and the City of Brussels. The incident highlights the tensions that can arise when traditional religious symbols meet contemporary artistic interpretation in the public square.
