Multiple sexual assault allegations bring the broadcaster front and centre
A mere few weeks ago, Jian Ghomeshi was not surrounded by such controversy. In the wake of his firing from the CBC, however, Ghomeshi has become a household name.
On Oct. 26, Ghomeshi was released from his role of host of the hit radio show Q. To say he did not take the firing well would be an understatement.
Ghomeshi blasted CBC in a Facebook post on the same day, claiming that he was unjustly let go because of allegations made about his private life, concerning, in particular, his sex life.
Ghomeshi said he was fired because of information pertaining to his “rough” sex life, and “fear from the CBC that the details of [his] private life would become public as a result of a campaign of false allegations.”
Ghomeshi claimed that a disgruntled ex-girlfriend spearheaded the mission to ruin his reputation by making false sexual abuse allegations. Shortly after his controversial Facebook post, Ghomeshi announced that he was seeking a $55 million settlement as a result of his firing, suing the CBC for defamation of character, breach of confidence, and punitive damages following his dismissal.
As the weeks have passed, however, Ghomeshi’s case has moved away from an issue of unlawful termination and has become more complicated. Over 10 women and at least one man have come forward claiming that they were sexually harassed or coerced by Ghomeshi, with allegations dating back over 10 years.
One woman claims that Ghomeshi choked and beat her; another says he pressed her against a wall and choked her. Other allegations include lewd and derogatory comments at work and unwanted physical touching.
The Toronto Police Department has launched a full-scale criminal investigation against Ghomeshi based on the sexual assault allegations. As more individuals come forward with allegations of abuse, the case against Ghomeshi continues to grow. In the face of the new investigation, Ghomeshi has hired criminal defence lawyer Marie Henein.
Employment lawyer Janice Rubin has been brought into the CBC to lead an internal investigation concerning workplace allegations. The company has also offered free public aid to all of the complainants in the case against Ghomeshi.
While the abuse allegations continue to roll in, Ghomeshi still claims to be innocent of any wrongdoing and has not been criminally charged.
The original lawsuit filed by Ghomeshi concerning his termination has been called “without merit and an abuse of the court’s process” by the CBC. The company has since filed a motion asking the court to dismiss the lawsuit. There is no news yet as to whether or not the motion has been successful.