Ghomeshi charged, released on bail

Jian Ghomeshi
Jian Ghomeshi

Former CBC Q host Jian Ghomeshi was charged by Metro Police yesterday and released on bail.

The charges are four counts of sexual assault and one count of overcome resistance – choking.

He was released on $100,000 bail, with conditions including surrendering his passport, living with his mother and not to contact his accusers.

His lawyer, Marie Henein, said he will plead not guilty and will make no media statements.

“It is not our practice to litigate matters in the media. What we have to say we will say in court,” Henein said.

Justice Rebecca Rutherford ordered Ghomeshi to remain in Ontario upon his release on bail.

Nine women and one man have said they were choked, hit or sexually harassed by Ghomeshi.

Ghomeshi had launched a $55-million wrongful dismissal lawsuit against the CBC but has withdrawn that suit and agreed to pay the public broadcaster $18,000 for legal costs.