CBC cuts ties with Jian Ghomeshi
On Sunday, Oct. 26, the CBC announced that it was ending its relationship with Jian Ghomeshi, the host and co-creator of Q, a cultural affairs radio show.
“This decision was not made without serious deliberation and careful consideration,” said the network in an official statement. “Jian has made an immense contribution to the CBC and we wish him well.”
Ghomeshi posted on Facebook later that evening, addressing his belief that his termination stemmed from the risk of his “private sex life being made public as a result of a campaign of false allegations pursued by a jilted ex-girlfriend and a freelance writer.” The post details a former relationship that included “forms of BDSM.”
Over the past few months, the Toronto Star had approached Ghomeshi with allegations from three women who claim the host enacted physical violence during or leading up to sexual encounters – without their consent. In his post, Ghomeshi noted that his engagement in “adventurous forms of sex that include role-play, dominance, and submission” is not unusual, but these acts are always “mutually agreed upon” and “consensual.”
Ghomeshi claimed to have been open with the CBC about these allegations.
“On Thursday I voluntarily showed evidence that everything I have done has been consensual,” Gomeshi wrote. “I did this in good faith and because I know […] I have nothing to hide. This is when the CBC decided to fire me.”
Ghomeshi also claimed that CBC executives expressed to him that “this type of sexual behaviour was unbecoming of a prominent host on the CBC.”
Shortly after the CBC’s announcement, Ghomeshi released a statement indicating the launch of a lawsuit, claiming general and punitive damages from a “breach of confidence and bad faith” on the part of the CBC, for whom he had worked almost 14 years. The statement noted that Ghomeshi will “commence a grievance for reinstatement under his collective agreement.”
On Oct. 27, Dentons Canada LLP filed suit in Toronto, seeking $25 million in damages for breach of confidence, $25 million for defamation, and $5 million for punitive damages.
-Compiled by Alyssa Ottema