Hedley's Jacob Hoggard Is Being Investigated by Toronto Police for Alleged Sexual Misconduct

BY Brock ThiessenPublished Mar 16, 2018

Hedley frontman Jacob Hoggard is now being investigated by Toronto police following a series of sexual misconduct allegations against the singer.

While no charges have been laid, Toronto police spokeswoman Meaghan Gray confirmed that the Toronto police's Sex Crimes Unit is involved in an ongoing criminal investigation focused on Hoggard, CTV reports. At this point, it is unclear which specific sexual misconduct allegations police are investigating.

"I have just spoken with the lead investigator in our sex crimes unit and I can confirm there is an ongoing investigation and that no charges have been laid at this time," Gray told CP24. "I will not, however, confirm the identity of anyone who may or may not have come forward with a complaint."

The investigation comes following various sexual misconduct allegations against Hoggard, including rape allegations against the singer brought forward by a 24-year-old Ottawa woman in a recent CBC article.

At this time, no formal charges have been laid against Hedley and no allegations have been proven in a court of law.

Through his lawyer, Hoggard has denied all claims against him, saying he has never engaged in non-consensual sexual behaviour. However, he did call his behaviour "reckless and dismissive" towards women in a previous statement. 

"I understand the significant harm that is caused not only to the women I interacted with, but to all women who are degraded by this type of behaviour," Hoggard said in a previous statement. "I have been careless and indifferent and I have no excuse. For this I am truly sorry."

You can read two of the group's statements here and here. You can also read a lengthy statement from Hoggard himself here.

As a result of the various allegations, the band were been dropped by their management and withdrew from the Junos. Hedley also stated they were going on an "indefinite hiatus," but only after wrapping their current run of tour dates, which finish on March 23 in Kelowna, BC. 
 

Latest Coverage