TORONTO — A lawyer for Jian Ghomeshi says the former CBC radio host plans to plead not guilty to multiple counts of sexual assault.
Marie Henein says Ghomeshi will address the allegations against him “fully and directly” in a court of law.
Henein made her comments just moments after Ghomeshi was released on $100,000 bail at a Toronto courthouse.
The 47-year-old turned himself in to police earlier today and was charged with four counts of sexual assault and one count of what police called “overcome resistance — choking.”
He looked tired and sombre as he appeared in the prisoner’s box of a packed Toronto courtroom wearing a dark suit with a light shirt.
The former “Q” radio host was fired by CBC on Oct. 26 after the public broadcaster said it had seen “graphic evidence” that he had physically injured a woman.
Since his dismissal, nine women have come forward with allegations that Ghomeshi sexually or physically assaulted them — three of them filed police complaints.
Related: How Jian Ghomeshi got away with it: A Maclean’s investigation
Ghomeshi has admitted that he engaged in “rough sex” but insisted his encounters with women were consensual.
None of the allegations have been proven in court.
His next court appearance is on Jan.8.
