(mod edit on title 11/26)

This news story may not make much waves in the US, but it's pretty fascinating.

After reading Jian's statement (which I'll post in a reply), I think the CBC may catch an L here.

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Jian Ghomeshi, host of Q, no longer with CBC


http://www.cbc.ca/news/arts/jian-ghomeshi-host-of-q-no-longer-with-cbc-1.2813670

CBC's relationship with Jian Ghomeshi, host of the cultural affairs radio show Q, has ended, the network announced Sunday.

"The CBC is saddened to announce its relationship with Jian Ghomeshi has come to an end. This decision was not made without serious deliberation and careful consideration. Jian has made an immense contribution to the CBC and we wish him well," the network said in a statement.

CBC ended its ties with Ghomeshi earlier on Sunday, said spokesman Chuck Thompson.

"Information came to our attention recently that in CBC's judgment precludes us from continuing our relationship with Jian," Thompson told CBC News.

Thompson would not elaborate on how recently the CBC had discovered the information or what that information was.

"Whenever a decision is made to end a relationship with an employee, terms of separation are never disclosed," Thompson said.

On Friday, Ghomeshi announced that he was taking some "much needed personal time" away from the CBC.

"Thanks for all the well wishes, you guys," he tweeted Friday. "I'm OK."

Dentons Canada LLP, a law firm in Toronto, released a statement saying that Ghomeshi has instructed them to file a $50-million lawsuit against the CBC on Monday that "will claim general and punitive damages for among other things, breach of confidence and bad faith."

It added that he will also "commence a grievance for reinstatement under the CBC’s collective agreement."

Asked about the possible lawsuit, Thompson said, "If we are served, as the public broadcaster, we will contest this vigorously."

The Giller Prize tweeted: "We can confirm Jian Ghomeshi will not host the #GillerPrize gala on November 10th. More news will be forthcoming as it becomes available."

Co-created hit show

On Thursday's show, Ghomeshi presented an essay about Wednesday's shooting in Ottawa. He was not on the air for Friday's program, which was hosted by Piya Chattopadhyay.

Q — which Ghomeshi co-created — is a daily national talk show on CBC Radio One and CBC-TV featuring interviews with celebrities and prominent international figures.

One of Ghomeshi's most high-profile interviews was in 2009 with actor-musician Billy Bob Thornton, who wanted to talk about his musical endeavours and became gruff after the host asked him about his film career.

The cultural affairs program, which launched in 2007, is now broadcast on over 180 NPR/PRI stations and syndicated in the U.S.

The Toronto-based Ghomeshi, 47, is also a published author, with the 2012 memoir 1982 and articles in various papers. He also hosted the CBC-TV program Play.

Ghomeshi, who was born in London and is of Iranian descent, first achieved notoriety as a musician with the folk-rock group Moxy Fruvous. Through Jian Ghomeshi Productions, he manages Juno-winning alt-pop musician Lights.

Ghomeshi has won several awards for his broadcasting and was named Best Media Personality in TV or radio by NOW Magazine in 2013.