PRINCE GEORGE, B.C. — Embattled former "Q" radio host Jian Ghomeshi has pulled out of a speaking engagement in British Columbia organized by the Prince George Citizen.
The newspaper says representatives for the ousted CBC-Radio personality called off the Nov. 7 event late Wednesday afternoon.
The cancellation comes amid new allegations Ghomeshi engaged in abusive behaviour. The paper says tickets for the event, which was scheduled for the Civic Centre in Prince George, will be refunded at the point of purchase.
A Toronto Star story published Wednesday evening said eight women are now alleging abusive behaviour from Ghomeshi.
After the story was published, Ghomeshi issued a Facebook post promising to fight the claims: "I want to thank you for your support and assure you that I intend to meet these allegations directly," he said.
Wednesday's story comes after an earlier report by the Toronto Star containing allegations from three women who say that Ghomeshi was physically violent to them without their consent during sexual encounters or in the run-up to such encounters. Ghomeshi — through his lawyer — responded that he "does not engage in non-consensual role play or sex and any suggestion of the contrary is defamatory."
On Sunday, after the CBC announced it was severing ties with Ghomeshi, he issued a lengthy Facebook post alleging he'd been fired for his sexual behaviour. He also announced he is suing the CBC for $55 million for defamation and breach of trust. The corporation has said it will "vigorously" defend itself against Ghomeshi’s lawsuit.
