Jian Ghomeshi investigators hear from 3rd woman

Toronto police are asking for the public's help as they investigate former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi for what they are calling complaints of "assault and sexual assault" after three women alleged that they were attacked by him.

The investigation is in its "infancy," sex crimes Insp. Joanna Beaven-Desjardins said Saturday. None of the allegations has been proven.

• Toronto police investigating Jian Ghomeshi allegations

She called on anyone with any evidence that could help the investigation to contact police and said potential evidence would include videos, photos or online messaging.

She encouraged any potential further victims to contact police as well — either to file a report, discuss their options or seek counselling.

"Even if they don't want to report but they want to talk to us, we welcome that," Beaven-Desjardins said at news conference.

Over the past week, several women have spoken with either the Toronto Star or CBC and claimed they were in some way attacked by Ghomeshi during romantic encounters. The majority of the women spoke with the media anonymously and, at the time, none of them had filed a police complaint.

Trailer Park Boys star Lucy DeCoutere told CBC News that Ghomeshi physically attacked her during a date in 2003. None of the women who spoke with the CBC instructed Ghomeshi to stop the alleged violence as it was happening.

• Michael Enright: The Ghomeshi revelations and the CBC workplace

Sunday, November 2, 2014 | Categories: Michael's Essays 20

Beaven-Desjardins would not say if any of the women who have filed police complaints are among those who spoke to the media.

CBC News has confirmed DeCoutere is one of the three women who have since come forward to the police.

"On Thursday, Oct. 23, CBC saw, for the first time, graphic evidence that Jian Ghomeshi had caused physical injury to a woman. We have reached out to the police and will fully cooperate with their investigation," CBC spokesman Chuck Thompson said Saturday.

Ghomeshi has denied all allegations that he engaged in any non-consensual sexual activity. He posted a detailed note on Facebook last weekend describing his sexual preferences and said he has only participated in acts that were "mutually agreed upon, consensual and exciting for both partners."

On Thursday, he issued a new Facebook statement, saying, "I want to thank you for your support and assure you that I intend to meet these allegations directly. I don’t intend to discuss this matter any further with the media."

CBC ended its relationship with the former Q host on Oct. 26.

Ghomeshi has launched a $55-million lawsuit against the CBC and is also grieving his dismissal through the union process.

Beaven-Desjardins said the police have not yet spoken to Ghomeshi. She said the police will invite him to come speak to them.