Bram, a 21-year-old artist, was reported to have been kicked, spat at and verbally abused in broad daylight at Hoog Catharijne because of anti-gay hatred. He had long felt ashamed of his sexual orientation. His death has brought renewed attention to the debate about acceptance of homosexuality, amid a reported sharp decline in acceptance among young people.

The account also described a humorous and unusual ritual connected with Bram, but provided no further details.