Jian Ghomeshi, Former CBC Radio Host, Pleads Not Guilty To Sexual Assault

Jian Ghomeshi pleaded not guilty to four counts of sexual assault and one count of choking in a Toronto courtroom on Thursday.

Jian Ghomeshi Pleads Not Guilty In Sexual Assault Case

Ghomeshi, the ex-Canadian Broadcasting Corp. radio host, was fired in October 2014 after media reports of sexual assault allegations began to spread.

Ghomeshi has repeatedly denied the allegations, saying he had consensual “rough sex” with women. However, CBC executives reportedly saw graphic evidence which shows Ghomeshi physically injuring a woman.

Senior executives, including head of radio Chris Boyce, left CBC once the allegations were brought to their attention.

Ghomeshi entered not-guilty pleas for five charges, while he also faces one charge of sexual assault that is being tried separately. The alleged assaults for which he was charged occurred between 2002 and 2008.

Ghomeshi defended his actions in a 1,500-word statement on Facebook when the accusations were first reported.

The popular radio host explained that women consented to having “rough sex” with him and he’s the victim of a disgruntled ex-girlfriend.

Police encouraged other women to come forward last year and launched an investigation after nine women — including Trailer Park Boys actress Lucy DeCoutere — contacted media sources to report incidents of assault involving Ghomeshi.

DeCoutere was the first woman to speak on the record about her allegations against Ghomeshi, telling police she allegedly went on a date with him, and when they returned to his home, he pressed her up against a wall, choked her and slapped her across the face several times.

Ghomeshi was granted bail at $100,000 last November on condition he turn over his passport and live with his mother. His trial is scheduled to begin Feb. 1, 2016 and will be by judge only.