Jian Ghomeshi fired from CBC / apparent sex scandal

dignin

This is looking to be quite a scandal.

Full discloser, I'm a huge fan of the show.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/jian-ghomeshi-host-of-q-no-longer-with-cbc-1.2813670

dignin

His first public statement

https://www.facebook.com/jianghomeshi/posts/10152357063881750?fref=nf

Dear everyone,
I am writing today because I want you to be the first to know some news.
This has been the hardest time of my life. I am reeling from the loss of my father. I am in deep personal pain and worried about my mom. And now my world has been rocked by so much more.
Today, I was fired from the CBC.
For almost 8 years I have been the host of a show I co-created on CBC called Q. It has been my pride and joy. My fantastic team on Q are super-talented and have helped build something beautiful.
I have always operated on the principle of doing my best to maintain a dignity and a commitment to openness and truth, both on and off the air. I have conducted major interviews, supported Canadian talent, and spoken out loudly in my audio essays about ideas, issues, and my love for this country. All of that is available for anyone to hear or watch. I have known, of course, that not everyone always agrees with my opinions or my style, but I've never been anything but honest. I have doggedly defended the CBC and embraced public broadcasting. This is a brand I’ve been honoured to help grow.
All this has now changed.
Today I was fired from the company where I've been working for almost 14 years – stripped from my show, barred from the building and separated from my colleagues. I was given the choice to walk away quietly and to publicly suggest that this was my decision. But I am not going to do that. Because that would be untrue. Because I’ve been fired. And because I've done nothing wrong.
I’ve been fired from the CBC because of the risk of my private sex life being made public as a result of a campaign of false allegations pursued by a jilted ex girlfriend and a freelance writer.
As friends and family of mine, you are owed the truth.
I have commenced legal proceedings against the CBC, what’s important to me is that you know what happened and why.
Forgive me if what follows may be shocking to some.
I have always been interested in a variety of activities in the bedroom but I only participate in sexual practices that are mutually agreed upon, consensual, and exciting for both partners.
About two years ago I started seeing a woman in her late 20s. Our relationship was affectionate, casual and passionate. We saw each other on and off over the period of a year and began engaging in adventurous forms of sex that included role-play, dominance and submission. We discussed our interests at length before engaging in rough sex (forms of BDSM). We talked about using safe words and regularly checked in with each other about our comfort levels. She encouraged our role-play and often was the initiator. We joked about our relations being like a mild form of Fifty Shades of Grey or a story from Lynn Coady's Giller-Prize winning book last year. I don’t wish to get into any more detail because it is truly not anyone's business what two consenting adults do. I have never discussed my private life before. Sexual preferences are a human right.
Despite a strong connection between us it became clear to me that our on-and-off dating was unlikely to grow into a larger relationship and I ended things in the beginning of this year. She was upset by this and sent me messages indicating her disappointment that I would not commit to more, and her anger that I was seeing others.
After this, in the early spring there began a campaign of harassment, vengeance and demonization against me that would lead to months of anxiety.
It came to light that a woman had begun anonymously reaching out to people that I had dated (via Facebook) to tell them she had been a victim of abusive relations with me. In other words, someone was reframing what had been an ongoing consensual relationship as something nefarious. I learned – through one of my friends who got in contact with this person – that someone had rifled through my phone on one occasion and taken down the names of any woman I had seemed to have been dating in recent years. This person had begun methodically contacting them to try to build a story against me. Increasingly, female friends and ex-girlfriends of mine told me about these attempts to smear me.

dignin

continued.......



Someone also began colluding with a freelance writer who was known not to be a fan of mine and, together, they set out to try to find corroborators to build a case to defame me. She found some sympathetic ears by painting herself as a victim and turned this into a campaign. The writer boldly started contacting my friends, acquaintances and even work colleagues – all of whom came to me to tell me this was happening and all of whom recognized it as a trumped up way to attack me and undermine my reputation. Everyone contacted would ask the same question, if I had engaged in non-consensual behavior why was the place to address this the media?
The writer tried to peddle the story and, at one point, a major Canadian media publication did due diligence but never printed a story. One assumes they recognized these attempts to recast my sexual behaviour were fabrications. Still, the spectre of mud being flung onto the Internet where online outrage can demonize someone before facts can refute false allegations has been what I've had to live with.
And this leads us to today and this moment. I’ve lived with the threat that this stuff would be thrown out there to defame me. And I would sue. But it would do the reputational damage to me it was intended to do (the ex has even tried to contact me to say that she now wishes to refute any of these categorically untrue allegations). But with me bringing it to light, in the coming days you will prospectively hear about how I engage in all kinds of unsavoury aggressive acts in the bedroom. And the implication may be made that this happens non-consensually. And that will be a lie. But it will be salacious gossip in a world driven by a hunger for "scandal". And there will be those who choose to believe it and to hate me or to laugh at me. And there will be an attempt to pile on. And there will be the claim that there are a few women involved (those who colluded with my ex) in an attempt to show a "pattern of behaviour". And it will be based in lies but damage will be done. But I am telling you this story in the hopes that the truth will, finally, conquer all.
I have been open with the CBC about this since these categorically untrue allegations ramped up. I have never believed it was anyone's business what I do in my private affairs but I wanted my bosses to be aware that this attempt to smear me was out there. CBC has been part of the team of friends and lawyers assembled to deal with this for months. On Thursday I voluntarily showed evidence that everything I have done has been consensual. I did this in good faith and because I know, as I have always known, that I have nothing to hide. This when the CBC decided to fire me.
CBC execs confirmed that the information provided showed that there was consent. In fact, they later said to me and my team that there is no question in their minds that there has always been consent. They said they’re not concerned about the legal side. But then they said that this type of sexual behavior was unbecoming of a prominent host on the CBC. They said that I was being dismissed for "the risk of the perception that may come from a story that could come out." To recap, I am being fired in my prime from the show I love and built and threw myself into for years because of what I do in my private life.
Let me be the first to say that my tastes in the bedroom may not be palatable to some folks. They may be strange, enticing, weird, normal, or outright offensive to others. We all have our secret life. But that is my private life. That is my personal life. And no one, and certainly no employer, should have dominion over what people do consensually in their private life.
And so, with no formal allegations, no formal complaints, no complaints, not one, to the HR department at the CBC (they told us they’d done a thorough check and were satisfied), and no charges, I have lost my job based on a campaign of vengeance. Two weeks after the death of my beautiful father I have been fired from the CBC because of what I do in my private life.
I have loved the CBC. The Q team are the best group of people in the land. My colleagues and producers and on-air talent at the CBC are unparalleled in being some of the best in the business. I have always tried to be a good soldier and do a good job for my country. I am still in shock. But I am telling this story to you so the truth is heard. And to bring an end to the nightmare.

oftenreading

Wow. Should we be surprised that the CBC appears to be firing someone for these reasons, if indeed this is the case? They have not been known for progressive thinking.

I have also been a fan of the show and think Jian is a very enjoyable interviewer. I suspect he'll be snapped up elsewhere, though perhaps not with the national reach of the CBC. I wonder what the CBC's take on this will be.

hedonist

I don't know this person (hence neither friend nor family).

To suffer repercussions based on anything personal and separate from work - unless a "risk" (and all that term entails), who gives a shit? If that - which is this man's business and no one else's but those with whom he engages - where is the gain for trying to take him, anyone, down?

And, I give no shit either about what he does in his life. No need to detail it for me. I'm not shocked but why would that make a difference to anyone who wouldn't give a fuck about it to begin with?

Who or how or why someone chooses to love or fuck or anything in between and beyond...why do I need to know this?

Granted I may need to educate myself more on this particular fellow but at first glance at all this writing, strikes me as a bit over the top. If I'm incorrect, shall admit such.

Last-12-Exit

Uhhhh, who is this guy?

chadwick

.

oftenreading

hedonist said:

I don't know this person (hence neither friend nor family).

To suffer repercussions based on anything personal and separate from work - unless a "risk" (and all that term entails), who gives a shit? If that - which is this man's business and no one else's but those with whom he engages - where is the gain for trying to take him, anyone, down?

And, I give no shit either about what he does in his life. No need to detail it for me. I'm not shocked but why would that make a difference to anyone who wouldn't give a fuck about it to begin with?

Who or how or why someone chooses to love or fuck or anything in between and beyond...why do I need to know this?

Granted I may need to educate myself more on this particular fellow but at first glance at all this writing, strikes me as a bit over the top. If I'm incorrect, shall admit such.

Over the top, yes, but he is that kind of guy.

Briefly, he was a minor rock/pop figure in Canada as the lead singer in a band that none of you guys probably would have heard of, then became a radio broadcaster. He has been the host of really quite good "culture" themed show on CBC, featuring a lot of live music and also interviews with a wide range of people, from Hollywood stars to scientists and serious musicians.

I also did not want to learn that much about his sex life.

hedonist

Thank you, one who reads quite often and contributes quite well

Short while ago, I was re-thinking my post, felt it might be over the top or harsh and contemplated an edit..then thought fuck it, it's honest but not mean-spirited.

Gotta be some balance between openness and modesty.

Then again, times've changed and barometers are all over the fucking place.

dignin

Last-12-Exit said:

Uhhhh, who is this guy?

This is a big deal up here in Canada. He has the most popular show on CBC radio, called Q....which goes nation wide to everyone in Canada.

I am stunned by the whole thing, Ive been listening to him daily at 10 till 11:30 every Monday to Friday for years.

He is one of the best interviewers in the business.

oftenreading

For those who are interested, here's a link. The story doesn't add much to what was already reported above, but scroll down and there are links to a lot of past Q shows, particularly the musical performances/interviews with musicians.

http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2014/10/26/jian-ghomeshi-cbc_n_6050220.html?1s&utm_hp_ref=canada

Last-12-Exit

So is this guy the Howard stern of Canada?

oftenreading

Last-12-Exit said:

So is this guy the Howard stern of Canada?

If by that you mean he is almost completely unlike Howard Stern, then yes.

dignin

oftenreading said:

Last-12-Exit said:

So is this guy the Howard stern of Canada?

If by that you mean he is almost completely unlike Howard Stern, then yes.

Exactly

dignin

Well here are the allegations

http://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2014/10/26/cbc_fires_jian_ghomeshi_over_sex_allegations.html

Last-12-Exit

oftenreading said:

Last-12-Exit said:

So is this guy the Howard stern of Canada?

If by that you mean he is almost completely unlike Howard Stern, then yes.

So the guy is completely unfunny?

dignin

Last-12-Exit said:

oftenreading said:

Last-12-Exit said:

So is this guy the Howard stern of Canada?

If by that you mean he is almost completely unlike Howard Stern, then yes.

So the guy is completely unfunny?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pBUg1fymR-Q&list=UU1nw_szfrEsDWcwD32wHE_w

lukin2006

As long as he's not breaking the law, and it appears he's not ... then what he does in his private life is NO ONE'S BUSINESS...

even flow - question mark

Best show in a very long time on the radio.

From what I get from it all. One jelous bitch and one guy who has lost his job and going to rake in huge money on the law suit.

even flow - question mark

Last-12-Exit said:

So is this guy the Howard stern of Canada?

Youtube the interview with Billy Bob Thorton and you'll have a good laugh. Other than that the guy does very good interviews without having to ask how large one's penis is, or it those are real or not.

PJ_Soul

I really don't want to know about people doing the BDSM thing. None of my business and I don't give a shit. Once I know someone is into that I find it a bit awkward because it is just WAY too much information for me! Yes, I support folks doing whatever they want consensually. I also don't understand BDSM at all. Weird me out a bit. So I'd rather just not know about it. Although if i do know about it, okay. It's not like I'd ditch a friend over it (i actually do have a casual friend who for some reason told me she was into S&M.... okay, i didn't really want to have that mental image of her, lol, but other than that, i couldn't care less!).

I have read about this guy possibly doing inappropriate things in the work place. If true then the CBC was right. If false, then I hope the guy wins his case. If he truly did none if the things in the workplace that I've seen suggested, then good for him for being vocal about this. I conditionally admire his resolve.

Biggest lesson here? Be really careful about who you fuck, especially if you are a public figure.

Jason P

Now, eight women have come forward, describing strikingly similar stories about Ghomeshi's M.O.—they'd meet Ghomeshi, he'd suddenly—and without warning—attack them, and then he'd act as if nothing had happened.

gawker.com/report-jian-ghomeshi-couldnt-attack-women-in-front-of-1652598250

dignin

Jason P said:

Now, eight women have come forward, describing strikingly similar stories about Ghomeshi's M.O.—they'd meet Ghomeshi, he'd suddenly—and without warning—attack them, and then he'd act as if nothing had happened.

gawker.com/report-jian-ghomeshi-couldnt-attack-women-in-front-of-1652598250

Not looking good for Jian.

even flow - question mark

I wonder why sooooooooooooo many women who get smacked around whether by Jian or by their loving boyfriend/husband or just on a date, never, ever, go to the police and file a report or just leave the relationship. Blows my male mind!!!

And I do find the excuses rather amusing and lame all at the same time.

lolobugg

this guy is seriously fucked up in the head.
mr teddy???

hedonist

Jason P said:

Now, eight women have come forward, describing strikingly similar stories about Ghomeshi's M.O.—they'd meet Ghomeshi, he'd suddenly—and without warning—attack them, and then he'd act as if nothing had happened.

gawker.com/report-jian-ghomeshi-couldnt-attack-women-in-front-of-1652598250

He sounds like a real winner. And a pompous dick.

I don't get why, in some of those accounts, the women either didn't get the hell out of dodge, or actually went back for more.

And yeah, Big Ears Teddy. The hell?

PJ_Soul

hedonist said:

Jason P said:

Now, eight women have come forward, describing strikingly similar stories about Ghomeshi's M.O.—they'd meet Ghomeshi, he'd suddenly—and without warning—attack them, and then he'd act as if nothing had happened.

gawker.com/report-jian-ghomeshi-couldnt-attack-women-in-front-of-1652598250

He sounds like a real winner. And a pompous dick.

I don't get why, in some of those accounts, the women either didn't get the hell out of dodge, or actually went back for more.

And yeah, Big Ears Teddy. The hell?

Psychological manipulation maybe? Not every woman is smart and strong. Lots of idiots and/or very poor decision-makers out there. Just because you're an abused person it doesn't exclude you from being one. And remember, if these accusation are true, this guy would have sought out the women who he thought would react the way he wanted them to. Handpicked for abuse, basically. If he just chose random women from off the street you would have seen different results.

hedonist

PJ_Soul said:

hedonist said:

Jason P said:

Now, eight women have come forward, describing strikingly similar stories about Ghomeshi's M.O.—they'd meet Ghomeshi, he'd suddenly—and without warning—attack them, and then he'd act as if nothing had happened.

gawker.com/report-jian-ghomeshi-couldnt-attack-women-in-front-of-1652598250

He sounds like a real winner. And a pompous dick.

I don't get why, in some of those accounts, the women either didn't get the hell out of dodge, or actually went back for more.

And yeah, Big Ears Teddy. The hell?

Psychological manipulation maybe? Not every woman is smart and strong. Lots of idiots and/or very poor decision-makers out there. Just because you're an abused person it doesn't exclude you from being one. And remember, if these accusation are true, this guy would have sought out the women who he thought would react the way he wanted them to. Handpicked for abuse, basically. If he just chose random women from off the street you would have seen different results.

Excellent points, especially the selection part. Can't believe that didn't even occur to me.

lukin2006

Well looking like CBC might have been justified ... I guess we'll have to see how this plays out ... he does deserve his say in court.

evsgjamm

The list of people he's had amazing interviews with are astounding.

Deadmau 5
Jon Stewart
Leonard Cohen
Julian Assange
Boy George
Jason Schwartzman
Jake Gyllenhaal
Tim Minchin
William H. Macy
Barbara Streisand
Barbara Walters
Bill Hader

He's done live shows in Portland, L.A., (all across Canada of course) and was just beginning to broaden his horizons even more-so in the U.S. as his show "Q" gained popularity.

His support for great music, his compelling, thought-provoking, inspiring and dare-I-say "innovative" interviews, his passion for Canada and the CBC, his passion for the voice of the people, the power of the people and the stories that people tell, are what draw his audiences from around the globe.

It's really unfortunate that all this bullshit is happening. Lucy from Trailer Park Boys is claiming he choked and slapped her.

Here's another account of one of the women:

Woman :And then once we started up, once we started talking dirty to each other about it, he might text something like, “I want to choke you and spank you and slap you,” and I would be like, “And I want you to do all those things to me! Oh, my god, do all those things to me! Slapping or BDSM type stuff never happened out in the world, not in cabs or elevators. The plan was I was coming to a hotel, we were going to have sex, then we would go have dinner. So he would grab me right when I came in, and he would start, and we would start up our regular sexy banter. But that was what I wanted.

Interviewer: He was never aggressive or violent outside of sex and the sex play that you enjoyed and consented to?

Woman: Correct.

Interviewer: Have you heard from friends who knew about your relationship?

Woman: A couple of them have called—or they’ve texted. Not so much friends, just acquaintances who heard about it. It’s been very upsetting. I got text messages from people I barely know asking, “Hey, were you raped?” Is that a fucking text message you send to someone? Do you send that to anyone ever? At first I didn’t know what they were texting me about. I hadn’t heard the news or seen Jian’s piece about what was happening.
Did he ever slap or punch you?
Slap, yes, but no punching at all. It was consensual. There would be marks, a little bit, but they would be gone in less than an hour. No bruising or anything.
Was he ever verbally abusive?
No. He called me “slut” but never outside of the sex scene stuff. He would’ve stopped if I didn’t like it, like he stopped saying that “destroy you” thing.

Interviewer: When did your relationship end? Who ended it?

Woman: It was never really going to be a “thing,” so it faded in and out. I last had sex with him in March. We’re like basically friends with benefits. It got less intense—we started out talking every day for a while, but that stopped maybe in January of 2013. It started in October of 2012. We kept in contact, but it got less intense.

Interviewer: Was he seeing other women during that time?

Woman: I didn’t know it, but I would’ve assumed it. I was seeing other people.


However, I think he's going to get the shit kicked out him with the word of the law. The women who say he engaged in choking and slapping are going to get the best of him. He's going to get screwed over, but he's going to bounce back and will be back on the airwaves, telling his stories first, then he'll get a show and will have his die-hard audience back. Maybe he'll ease off the rough sex for the rest of his life.

I'm currently on Jian's side and I think he's being manipulated.

hedonist

Roman Polanski made some awesome films, but he still fucked a 13-year old in a jacuzzi.

If what Jian did was consensual, so be it. I give not a shit how rough his sex gets if his partners are good with it.

Seems like much of it blindsided some of these women, though.