‘Rough sex’ radio host Jian Ghomeshi acquitted in assault trial
North American broadcaster Jian Ghomeshi was found not guilty of sexually assaulting three women Thursday, causing an outcry online over the rights of sex assault victims.
The 48-year-old had denied all charges and described the incidents with the complainants as consensual “rough sex”.
So much gratitude to all the women who came forward to share their painful truths about #Ghomeshi. To the court, to the press, to each other
— Naomi Klein (@NaomiAKlein) March 24, 2016
The system is designed to achieve total immunity for men who rape women and to ridicule survivors who speak up. #IBelieveTheWomen#Ghomeshi
— Abu Sumood (@JShahryar) March 24, 2016
The #Ghomeshi case has set a dangerous precedent: it has ignored dynamics of consent, violence and abuse. That is rape culture.
— Cheema. (@emaaanc) March 24, 2016
Ghomeshi, who was formerly one of Canada’s top broadcasters and heard on several US public radio stations, was sacked from his job with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in 2014 following the allegations.
After an investigation by the Toronto Star exposed Ghomeshi’s alleged violent behavior towards an ex-girlfriend, CBC began an inquiry despite members of the company’s management reportedly having full knowledge of the host’s track record.
Despite the widespread media attention, Judge William Horkins said the complainants’ testimonies had been inconsistent.
“Each complainant was less than full, frank, and forthcoming in the information they provided to the media, to the police, to Crown counsel and to this Court,” he said in his judgment of the case. “The evidence of each complainant suffered not just from inconsistencies and questionable behavior, but was tainted by outright deception.”
Supporters of the women staged a protest outside the Old City Hall courthouse in Toronto while others took to social media to voice their outrage.
LIVE on #Periscope: Ghomeshi protest post-verdict https://t.co/HLMNX2RQHR
— Sarah Boesveld (@sarahboesveld) March 24, 2016
Disgusted with the #Ghomeshi verdict, considering he NEVER denied the allegations! Wonder why women don't come forward?Ugh #IBelieveTheWomen
— Natalie Richer (@NatRicher) March 24, 2016
I hate the world this morning. And people ask why women don't report sexual assault. This is why, goddamnit. #IBelieveTheWomen#Ghomeshi
— Meghan Bell (@meghanlbell) March 24, 2016
Jacob Jensin, who represented the first complainant, read a prepared statement on his client’s behalf.
“While my story may not have passed the high legal test for proof, it remains my position that the evidence on the substantive issues is truthful,” it read. “I encourage anyone who is a victim of abuse to come forward, seek assistance and not be afraid of what may happen.”
Only six cases of sexual assault are reported for every 100 incidents in Canada with 80 percent of sex crimes targeting women.
The "justice" system just proved itself incapable of handling sexual assault. We need a new system. #Ghomeshihttps://t.co/QV6HYXIoLp
— Joni Serio (@JoniSerio) March 24, 2016
This is why women don't report. This is why even fewer women will report. This is why we need new system for accountability. #Ghomeshi
— ArielTroster (@ArielTroster) March 24, 2016