CBC Continues To Deal With Jian Ghomeshi Fallout As More Allegations Against Host Emerge

Ghomeshi

While the police investigation into allegations of sexual abuse against former CBC RADIO ONE "Q" host JIAN GHOMESHI continue, the public broadcaster is dealing with the fallout over the host's firing and the subsequent revelations that multiple women have alleged that GHOMESHI inflicted non-consensual "rough sex" on them.

In a memo to CBC staff from EVP of English Services HEATHER CONWAY said that while the network is legally limited in what it can say, she could say that GHOMESHI told the CBC in the SPRING that the TORONTO STAR was investigating the allegations but denied them, and that in the SUMMER, a reporter contacted a show employee asking about GHOMESHI's behavior in the workplace, with a network investigation finding no complaints.  CONWAY added that when the CBC saw evidence on OCTOBER 23rd that GHOMESHI had caused physical injury, they acted, resulting in GHOMESHI's dismissal.  "JIAN's conduct in causing physical injury to a woman was inconsistent with the character of the public broadcaster, was fundamentally unacceptable for any employee, was likely to bring the reputation of his fellow employees and CBC into disrepute and could not be defended by the CBC," CONWAY wrote.  The TORONTO STAR reports that the evidence referred to by CONWAY from OCTOBER 23rd included videos and photos with "graphic evidence" of physical injury to a woman.

Meanwhile, CBC President/CEO HUBERT LACROIX issued a "Note to Canadians" on FRIDAY (10/31) saying that the network is bringing in an outside third party to investigate the situation.  LACROIX wrote, "We expect that the investigation will allow us to identify improvements that may be necessary to existing systems and assure a healthy work environment.... Once the investigation has concluded, we will share the recommendations regarding any improvements to our policies and procedures with our Board, our employees and with Canadians."

A third woman has come forward to TORONTO police with allegations of abuse by GHOMESHI, and the STAR reports that other women are coming forward with allegations dating back to the host's time as a member of MOXY FRÜVOUS and as host of CBC television's "PLAY."   Nine women have made allegations against GHOMESHI in the media.  GHIOMESHI is suing the CBC for C$55 million in a defamation and breach of trust suit.

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