Jian Ghomeshi's $55M lawsuit against CBC being withdrawn
Former CBC Radio host of Q launched suit after his firing in October
A $55-million lawsuit launched by Jian Ghomeshi against the CBC last month, after he was fired as host of the radio arts, culture and entertainment program Q, is being withdrawn.
Ghomeshi is to pay $18,000 in legal costs incurred by the CBC. The process still needs to be formalized through a court order.
CBC spokesman Chuck Thompson said lawyers for both sides have now reached an agreement.
"The suit is being withdrawn with costs in favour of CBC," he said. "He's getting nothing."
Ghomeshi launched the lawsuit against the CBC last month after he was fired from the broadcaster. CBC sought to have it dismissed, saying it was "without merit and an abuse of the court’s process."
The former Q host has also filed a grievance against the CBC through his union, the Canadian Media Guild, and it is still open.
"That's the next piece," Thompson said. "That process still needs to unfold."
Defers to collective agreement
A lawyer for Ghomeshi confirmed that the lawsuit between his client and the CBC "has been resolved."
"CBC and Mr. Ghomeshi will address all issues in the lawsuit... in accordance with the collective agreement between them," Jonathan Lisus said. "Counsel appointed by the union will have carriage of the arbitration."
Ghomeshi, 47, is being investigated by Toronto police after three women filed complaints alleging he was physically violent without their consent. He has not been charged with any criminal offence.
He previously issued a statement denying the allegations against him and saying all acts involving rough sex were consensual.
In his most recent statement, he said he intended to meet the allegations directly and that he doesn't intend to discuss the matter with the media.
CBC hired employment lawyer Janice Rubin to conduct an internal investigation into the allegations against Ghomeshi.
With files from The Canadian Press