The CBC has asked an Ontario court to dismiss former Q host Jian Ghomeshi's $55 million lawsuit against the crown corporation for firing him due to allegations of violent assault, stating the claims are "without merit and an abuse of the court's process."
A statement from the public broadcaster was delivered today (November 5), with the CBC adding that it "will also be asking the court to conclude that as a member of a union with a collective agreement, Mr. Ghomeshi's only legal avenue is through the arbitration process, not the courts."
News of the suit arrived October 26 shortly after it was revealed that the CBC cut ties with Ghomeshi, with the broadcaster reporting at the time that "information came to our attention recently that in CBC's judgment precludes us from continuing our relationship with Jian."
Later that evening, Ghomeshi made a lengthy Facebook post claiming "breach of confidence and bad faith" on CBC's part for firing him in light of his "sexual practices." He also revealed his $55 million lawsuit against the broadcaster.
A Toronto Star report on Ghomeshi's alleged violent sexual abuse later came to light last week, with a growing number of women coming forward with stories about the former Q host, including public confessions from Lucy DeCoutere and author/lawyer Reva Seth. Among the other women, one is a former CBC employee while another still currently works for the broadcaster.
While no charges have been laid, police are currently investigating the case, and the CBC has hired an independent investigator to look into the allegations of harassment and violence.
A statement from the public broadcaster was delivered today (November 5), with the CBC adding that it "will also be asking the court to conclude that as a member of a union with a collective agreement, Mr. Ghomeshi's only legal avenue is through the arbitration process, not the courts."
News of the suit arrived October 26 shortly after it was revealed that the CBC cut ties with Ghomeshi, with the broadcaster reporting at the time that "information came to our attention recently that in CBC's judgment precludes us from continuing our relationship with Jian."
Later that evening, Ghomeshi made a lengthy Facebook post claiming "breach of confidence and bad faith" on CBC's part for firing him in light of his "sexual practices." He also revealed his $55 million lawsuit against the broadcaster.
A Toronto Star report on Ghomeshi's alleged violent sexual abuse later came to light last week, with a growing number of women coming forward with stories about the former Q host, including public confessions from Lucy DeCoutere and author/lawyer Reva Seth. Among the other women, one is a former CBC employee while another still currently works for the broadcaster.
While no charges have been laid, police are currently investigating the case, and the CBC has hired an independent investigator to look into the allegations of harassment and violence.