Jian Ghomeshi, 48, the former host of Q, an internationally syndicated CBC Radio music and arts program, was fired by the Canadian Broadcasting Corp in October 2014. The CBC said it had seen graphic evidence that he had injured a woman in what Ghomeshi later said on Facebook were consensual sex acts involving bondage, discipline, sadism and masochism.
Toronto police charged the well-known former musician in November after several women came forward with complaints of sexual assault that had allegedly occurred over several years.
On Thursday, Ghomeshi appeared in person, accompanied by his lawyers, to plead not guilty to four counts of sexual assault and one count of overcoming resistance by choking.
Ghomeshi’s trial is scheduled to begin in February, and will be by judge only. He faces a separate trial for another count of sexual assault.
After the Ghomeshi scandal broke, an independent investigation slammed the national public broadcaster for ignoring Ghomeshi’s abusive behavior in the workplace because he boosted ratings.
The report in April by law firm Rubin Thomlinson, commissioned by the CBC, said Ghomeshi made inappropriate comments to colleagues, gave unwanted back and shoulder massages, played cruel jokes, and yelled at and shunned colleagues who displeased him, in addition to other offensive behavior.
(Reporting by Andrea Hopkins; Editing by Frances Kerry)
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It was reported at the onset that Mr. Ghomeshi would be living with his mother.
At that time, as now, I voiced concerns about her safety.
Has there been regular welfare checks done on the poor woman?
The weird thing is, Ghomeshi apparently gets along with his mother . That puts a fly in the ointment of what his psychological profile is supposed to say about his attitude towards women.
Does psychology even work, anymore, and is it credible evidence in the courts.
Wrong behaviour is often in the eye of the beholder.
We learned this during the Patty Hearst terrorism trial of years ago. One shrink said she was normal, the other said she was a terrorist.
If you are rich and connected enough, you can get your powerful lawyer, psychologist, etc, to spin a web of complete bullshit about yourself and avoid going to jail and even get away with murder.
Example gratis: Bill Cosby. “America’s favorite rapist,” according to the New York Post.
Part of his bail conditions are that he must live with his mother? He’s nearly 50 years of age! How can that be? A 17 year old ,maybe. Can they count on her to ensure that he keeps the peace?