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A timeline of the Ghomeshi scandal

Jian Ghomeshi's trial begins next week. Here's an overview of the events leading up to his court date.
A timeline of the Ghomeshi scandal

Ari Mintz/The New York Times/Redux

Thursday, Oct. 24, 2014: The CBC announces Jian Ghomeshi is taking "undetermined" leave "to deal with some personal issues." Many assume it has to do with the death of Ghomeshi's father, with whom he was very close.

Sunday, Oct. 26, 2014: The CBC releases a statement in the afternoon announcing that its "relationship with Jian Ghomeshi has come to an end," thanks to some "information" that had recently come to their attention. An hour later, Ghomeshi's PR firm says Ghomeshi is suing the CBC for $50-million. That evening, Ghomeshi posts a lengthy statement to Facebook saying he has been "fired from the CBC because of the risk of my private sex life being made public as a result of a campaign of false allegations pursued by a jilted ex girlfriend and a freelance writer." He details his interest in "rough sex" and says all of these activities have been consensual. A few hours later, the Toronto Star publishes allegations from three women who say Ghomeshi was sexually violent to them without their consent.

Monday, Oct. 27, 2014: Ghomeshi ups his lawsuit to $55-million but is unable to sue because he is a unionized employee of the CBC.

Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014: An anonymous woman tells the CBC's As it Happens that Ghomeshi assaulted her a decade earlier. By evening, the Star publishes a story with allegations from eight women, including from Trailer Park Boys actress Lucy DeCoutere. A former Q staffer also comes forward that day to say Ghomeshi sexually harassed her at work. Weeks later, she reveals her identity as Kathryn Borel in a column on The Guardian site.

Thursday, Oct. 30, 2014: Ghomeshi posts another statement to Facebook, and thanks his supporters. The CBC announces a third-party investigation. Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair holds a press conference urging any other victims to come forward. The Huffington Post publishes a post by Toronto lawyer and author Reva Seth detailing allegations of non-consensual sexual activity with Ghomeshi.

Friday, Oct. 31, 2014: Toronto Police launch a criminal investigation after two women file complaints about Ghomeshi.

Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014: Ghomeshi hires prominent criminal lawyer Marie Henein.

Wednesday, Nov. 26, 2014: Ghomeshi is charged with four counts of sexual assault and one count of overcoming resistance by choking. He surrenders to police. He is released on $100,000 bail and is ordered to live with his mother.

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Thursday, Jan. 8, 2015: Three new charges are laid against Ghomeshi. Henein says he will plead not guilty. The complainants’ names are protected by a publication ban.

Tuesday, May 12, 2015: The Crown drops two of seven sexual assault charges given there is no reasonable chance of conviction. Two separate trials are set for February and June.

Thursday, Oct. 1, 2015: Ghomeshi pleads not-guilty at his pre-trial hearing on sexual assault and choking charges.

Monday, Feb. 1, 2016: Ghomeshi's trial at the Ontario Superior Court begins.

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