A Mighty Fall From Grace

"Mr. Ghomeshi will be pleading not guilty."
"We will address these allegations [sexual assault] fully and directly in a courtroom. It is not my practice to litigate my cases in the media. This one will be no different. We will say whatever we have to say in a court of law. We will not be making any further media statements nor will Mr. Ghomeshi be making further media statements."
Marie Henein, defence lawyer, Toronto

"The past month has seen a major shift in the conversation about violence against women. It has been an overwhelming and painful time for many people, including myself, but also very inspiring [in public support]. I hope that victims' voices continue to be heard and that this is the start of a change that is so desperately needed."
Lucy De Coutere, complainant

Jian Ghomeshi leaves College Park Court with lawyer Marie Henein, right, and co-counsel Danielle Robitaille, left, after being freed on bail on Wednesday, November 26, 2014. (Craig Robertson/QMI Agency)

Criminal charges have finally been lodged by three victims of sexual violence perpetrated by one-time host of the wildly successful CBC radio program Q. The three women, two of whose names are being protected; one actor, Lucy De Coutere deciding to fully present herself and with the self-confidence of one who could take the public strain, has described in the press her violent encounter with Jian Ghomeshi.

The man who delighted in being the centre of attention, basking in the adoration of his listening public, confident in the knowledge that his radio program was held in huge esteem for its popularity that brought it to U.S. stations' prominence through its celebrity appeal, now faces a media frantic to hear from him directly more about the 'rough sex' he had formerly claimed was fully consensual. When rumours rose to public discussions, Mr. Ghomeshi had alerted his employers at the CBC.

Examining the evidence he himself brought to them to fully apprise them of what he insists was simply 'rough sex', not all that different from what the current social elite is accustomed to, the
CBC decided they had no option but to shed themselves of their golden goose, and that goose giddily decided he would sue them for $55-million in damages to his reputation, firing him without cause. A suit he has since withdrawn.

Arraigned on charges of four counts of sex assault (up to a 10-year penalty) and a fifth charge: 'overcome resistance -- choking', which has the potential to carry a maximum penalty of life imprisonment should he be found guilty as charged, there was a short bail hearing with $100,000 surety. Conditions for his release are several; he must live with his mother, maintain no contact with the complainants, and remain a minimum of 500 metres from them.

Banned from possessing prohibited weapons, his passport surrendered, he has been ordered to remain in Ontario. Justice Rebecca Rutherford presiding, elicited the response "I do", when she asked Mr. Ghomeshi if he understood his release conditions. Theatrically, flanked by two attractive and high-powered female lawyers with whom 'rough play' might not have gone over too well, he exhibits his soulful penance at the misunderstanding that has landed him in this situation.

That was one powerful !thud! when that graven idol tumbled off its pedestal.