Head of Baby Jesus Stolen from Controversial ‘Inclusive’ Nativity Scene in Brussels’ Grand Place (VIDEO)
A controversy in Brussels intensified over the weekend after the head of the Baby Jesus figure was stolen from the city’s newly introduced Nativity scene in the historic Grand Place.
The display, unveiled Friday, had already sparked debate for its unconventional “inclusive” design. Created by Brussels-based artist Victoria-Maria and commissioned through the Cathedrals of St. Michael and St. Gudula, the Nativity scene replaces an older version that city officials said had become too worn and difficult to maintain.
The new figures — Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus, the Three Wise Men, a shepherd, a donkey, and a sheep — are made from recycled fabrics and intentionally lack distinct facial features. Instead, their faces are represented by a mosaic-like blend of beige and brown materials meant to symbolize an inclusive mix of skin tones. A member of the design team said the goal was to allow “everyone to see themselves reflected.”
EUROPE IS ERASING CHRISTIANITY 🇪🇺 NATIVITY OF SHAME in Belgium 😡 A so‑called German artist was paid $75,000 to create a nativity scene. She used recycled fabric to make the Holy Family and the Wise Men. The theme of this retard was probably “Gaza”. The faces of the Holy Family… pic.twitter.com/ts1KZbsD02
— Miss Ingrid⭐ (@MissIngrid0312) November 29, 2025
The concept quickly drew backlash from conservative politicians and cultural commentators. Georges-Louis Bouchez, leader of Belgium’s Reformist Movement, harshly criticized the faceless characters on social media, comparing them to “zombies at Brussels stations” and labeling the display “an insult to our traditions.” He argued that real inclusivity should bring people together around shared cultural touchstones like Christmas, not dilute them. Bouchez urged the city to replace the design immediately, or at least before next year.
“How ugly, a society that denies its values,” he wrote on X, adding that it was unacceptable to see traditions “erode time and again because of so-called inclusivity.” Some critics also suggested the design may have been created to avoid offending Brussels’ sizeable Muslim population, given Islamic customs regarding depictions of religious figures.
Nativity scenes in Brussels are anonymous, faceless, to make experience more inclusive and avoid offending anyone. A true horror. pic.twitter.com/N2oeCi3NQ8
— RadioGenoa (@RadioGenoa) November 28, 2025
Despite the complaints, Mayor Philippe Close has said the city intends to keep the Nativity scene in place for at least five years.
But the situation escalated Saturday when the Mayor’s office confirmed that the head of the Baby Jesus figure had been stolen. Authorities have not released details about possible suspects or the motive, and the missing piece has not been recovered.
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