On Sunday, radio host Jian Ghomeshi was fired from his position hosting CBC's Q over allegations of sexual assault, which grew on Tuesday night when four more women came forward, bringing the total up to eight. The reception to this news has exposed deep societal issues reflected in how many Canadians were quick to disbelieve and discredit the abused women. Compounding this are the attempts by Ghomeshi's PR machine to confuse the issue into a private sexual matter (read his Facebook statement, which was handled by communications company Navigator.)
In response, Simone Schmidt of Fiver and One Hundred Dollars along with Amy Lam of Toronto performance group Life of a Craphead have started an online log of support for the women who are speaking up against Ghomeshi, as well as victims of abuse everywhere. Their signatures have been joined by members of Fucked Up, Constantines, Austra and thousands more. Read their "Gesture of Love and Support" below and sign the log here if you feel the same way.
To the women who have been directly affected by Jian Ghomeshi,
And to those survivors of abuse and assault who fear being disbelieved,You should know first that there are so many of us who believe you. We understand why you fear coming forward, and want to offer a counterbalance of public support and understanding. Jian Ghomeshi’s tactic of using his massive personal platform as a public figure to preemptively silence and discredit his victims is shameful.
We condemn the PR attempt to make you out to be a "jilted ex” and we see through the deplorable strategy of re-routing a conversation that should be about consent and assault to one about BDSM. No one should be abused anywhere - not on a date, not in a workplace. No one should be intimidated out of coming forward with their own stories.
We believe you.
There has also been a vital flood of reflections to read, like Owen Pallett's assessment of his friendship with Ghomeshi and declaration of solidarity with the accusers. We've also heard from his longest listeners and those of us who heard stories but never said anything.
Fiver, Constantines, Austra and more sign petition in support of the women affected by Jian Ghomeshi’s abuse by Jordan Darville | Chart Attack.
