Ghomeshi acquitted: Key dates in the case

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This article was published 24/03/2016 (3816 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

TORONTO – Former broadcaster Jian Ghomeshi was found not guilty Thursday on all charges of sexual assault and choking. Here are some key dates in his case, which first made headlines in late 2014:

Oct. 24, 2014: The CBC says Ghomeshi is taking an undetermined amount of time away from the network “to deal with some personal issues.” Ghomeshi tweets: “Thanks for all the well wishes, you guys. I’m OK.” He says he is taking some “much needed personal time” away from the CBC.

Oct. 26, 2014: The CBC announces it has cut ties with Ghomeshi, the host of the radio program “Q”, after receiving “information” about him. On the same day Ghomeshi issues a lengthy Facebook post saying he has engaged in rough sex, but says it was always consensual. He says he was fired from CBC because of the risk that his sex life would become public ”as a result of a campaign of false allegations.”

Oct. 27, 2014: The Toronto Star publishes a report detailing allegations from three women who say Ghomeshi was physically violent to them without their consent before or during sexual encounters. Ghomeshi — through his lawyer — responds that he ”does not engage in non-consensual role play or sex and any suggestion of the contrary is defamatory.” Ghomeshi files a lawsuit against the CBC alleging breach of confidence, bad faith and defamation and seeking $55 million plus special damages.

Oct. 28, 2014: The CBC issues an internal memo saying it is conducting a “continuing investigation” into a claim of misconduct against one of its employees. The memo never named Ghomeshi directly, but said it became aware of the claim through a story published in the Toronto Star.

Oct. 29, 2014: CBC current affairs radio show “As it Happens” airs an interview with an unnamed woman who alleges Ghomeshi punched her repeatedly in the head without warning. The woman said she did not go to police and felt emboldened to come forward after reading the allegations in the Toronto Star. The Star publishes another article, saying eight women now allege abusive behaviour by Ghomeshi. “Trailer Park Boys” actress Lucy DeCoutere agrees to be identified in connection with her allegations against Ghomeshi. DeCoutere accused Ghomeshi of choking her “to the point she could not breathe” and slapping her “hard three times on the side of her head.” The Star said Ghomeshi, his lawyers and public relations staff had not responded to allegations in their latest report.

Oct. 30, 2014: Ghomeshi issues a Facebook post saying that he intends to “meet these allegations directly,” but adding he will not communicate with the media. The CBC says it is hiring a third-party company to conduct an investigation in the wake of allegations against Ghomeshi. Another woman, who is an author and a lawyer, writes an article for the Huffington Post involving her own allegations of an aggressive, non-consensual encounter with Ghomeshi. On the same day, Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair says there is no investigation underway against Ghomeshi, adding someone must lodge a formal complaint in order for a probe to be launched. None of Ghomeshi’s accusers had reported going to police with their allegations.

Oct. 31, 2014: The CBC issues a memo to staff saying it saw “graphic evidence” that Ghomeshi had caused physical injury to a woman. This evidence, it said, was seen on Oct. 23 and was the reason behind the decision to fire the “Q” host. The Toronto Star publishes a story saying Ghomeshi showed CBC executives videos of some of his sexual encounters. Toronto police say they are investigating Ghomeshi after two women have come forward with complaints.

Nov. 1, 2014: Toronto police say three women have now filed abuse complaints against Ghomeshi and investigators are looking into reports of a ”graphic” video in the network’s possession.

Nov. 4, 2014: The CBC hires Janice Rubin, a Toronto employment lawyer with expertise in workplace harassment, to lead an independent investigation into the scandal.

Nov. 25, 2014: The CBC says Ghomeshi has reached an agreement with the network to withdraw his $55-million lawsuit against the public broadcaster.

Nov. 26, 2014: Ghomeshi is charged with four counts of sexual assault and one count of what is called “overcome resistance _ choking.” He is granted bail. His lawyer, Marie Henein, says he will plead not guilty.

Dec. 4, 2014: Ontario Premier Kathleen Wynne says the province will develop new policies to combat sexual assault and harassment, including steps to encourage more victims to come forward.

Jan 8, 2015: Three new charges of sexual assault are laid against Ghomeshi.

April 16, 2015: An internal investigation into the handling of the Jian Ghomeshi scandal finds the former “Q” host was “deeply disrespectful to employees” and sexually harassed some colleagues. Upper management send a letter to employees apologizing to those “who experienced inappropriate behaviour.” The CBC also announces it is “severing ties” with two top executives, Chris Boyce, executive director of CBC Radio, and Todd Spencer, the head of human resources and industrial relations for English services.

May 12, 2015: Crown prosecutor Michael Callaghan says two sexual assault charges are dropped against Ghomeshi because there was no reasonable prospect of conviction.

Oct. 1, 2015: Ghomeshi pleads not guilty to five charges, including four counts of sexual assault and one count of overcome resistance by choking.

Feb. 1, 2016: Ghomeshi’s judge-alone trial gets underway in Toronto.

Feb. 11, 2016: Justice William Horkins says he’ll deliver the verdict on March 24.

March 24, 2016: Ghomeshi is acquitted on all charges of sexual assault and choking. Judge Horkins says he could not rely on the three complainants given their changing and shifting memories and evidence.

June 6, 2016: Ghomeshi’s second trial on one count of sexual assault involving a fourth complainant gets underway.