The Jian Ghomeshi Scandal

Bringing forth more than just the story

On Oct. 24, the Canadian music scene was silenced when beloved radio host and musician Jian Ghomeshi addressed the public via Twitter that he would be taking an “undetermined leave” from his widely popular CBC program Q. After the passing of his father, Ghomeshi claimed it was due to “some much needed personal time” that forced him to part ways with the company, but the voices of nine women – two of which had provided their names – may claim otherwise. It was discovered later that week that these nine women had come forward to the media with accounts of Ghomeshi physically abusing them during their sexual endeavours. The CBC was aware that this story contained disturbing evidence and, with far too much speculation surrounding Ghomeshi, CBC decided to fire the popular host without publicizing the evidence. Perhaps their intention was to avoid undermining his career and reputation.

Ghomeshi had updated the public via Facebook that CBC had fired him because of his private life and that any allegations against him are due to a “jilted ex-girlfriend,” whether or not that is the case, there was an immediate backlash against him when these women stepped forward, especially when noted Canadian actress Lucy Decoutere publicized her name with her accusation.

Like many other scandals, this story seems to follow a distinct pattern of “stages.” First, there is the phase of disbelief and backlash. Second, there is public debate. Third, the condemnation period , the tipping point, the ratification period. Lastly, the cool down.  Currently, the “tipping point” of the scandal is taking place, where organizations and supporters of the fight against gender-based violence are using this as an opening to start an epidemic in the public, in hopes that the terrible act is eliminated once and for all.

The past few months have seen a number of these cases, like the Ray Rice incident and others lingering around, as well as the video that went viral last week showcasing a young woman being catcalled endlessly throughout her 10 hour hike around New York City. To say the least, this has been a heated month on the subject of violence against women, and so far a cool down is nowhere in sight.

So is this tipping point fuelling a personal attack on Ghomeshi, or is it really a global fight against sexual abuse against women? This scandal has served more as firewood for the furious resentment over the mistreatment of women rather than the victimization of these women . What Ghomeshi had done crossed many lines, but the media’s fervent desire to publically humiliate someone seems to be spiraling out of control. It is a private affair that belongs in the court and not in the public sphere; the public does not have the right to know what went on in those bedrooms, especially not the detailed accounts that these women have provided. Why are we so surprised that these cases are so difficult to deal with? How can women come forward when the they know that their stories, anonymous or not, will be shared with the rest of the world?

Though these scandals are often voiced in exaggerated undertones, this one specifically seems to have been blown way out of proportion. What Ghomeshi has done to these women is appalling and only deteriorates the image of men in the media, but how has the public benefitted from being exposed to this messy case? Have we not experienced enough cynicism and  ugliness in our everyday lives? The truth is indeed ugly, but does the public deserve to hear about what went on in the many bedrooms of this man? Former Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau once said, “There is no place for the state in the bedrooms of the nation,” and it seems like a quote that is far too appropriate for this case. Once the buzz around this scandal passes, whenever that may be, we should be shifting our focus towards the bigger picture –  finding a way to fight this disgraceful treatment of women and restoring, or instilling, faith in men.

So what’s next? Ghomeshi will likely never return to media again, and may even serve time in jail if these allegations prove to be true, but more importantly, I think that the space between men and women has been distended and the fight against gender-targeted violence has taken a large step forward.