A lot of drama could be going down in the courtroom concerning the CBC, who fired seven-year “Q” host Jian Ghomeshi because his “sexual behaviour was unbecoming of a prominent host” – Ghomeshi has responded by threatening to sue the network for $50 million.
Ghomeshi was personally involved with a woman recently, who has made a number of defaming allegations publicly about their sexual relationship, even though Ghomeshi is insisting their acts were consensual.
Ghomeshi insists he was upfront with his employers from the very beginning, and despite this, they let him go anyway. The network released a statement explaining their motives. “The CBC is saddened to announce its relationship with Jian Ghomeshi has come to an end. This decision was not made without serious deliberation and careful consideration. Jian has made an immense contribution to the CBC and we wish him well,” the network said.
This past weekend Ghomeshi took to his Facebook page and wrote a lengthy statement of his own. “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…
“…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.”
Ghomeshi, who is 47, has been the host of the CBC Radio One radio show “Q” since 2007, and has interviewed a bevy of big names, including the likes of Woody Allen and Billy Bob Thorton. He is also in the band Moxy Früvous and is the manager of the Canadian band Lights.
He and his legal team are expected to file the alleged $50 million lawsuit against the CBC today.
