Timeline: Ghomeshi affair began with news he was dealing with personal issues

Radio host Jian Ghomeshi was fired from the CBC on Sunday and soon after allegations of violence against women surfaced in media reports. Here’s some of what unfolded in the days following that:

Oct. 26: CBC announces it has cut ties with the Q radio host after receiving “information” about him.

Oct. 26: Ghomeshi issues a lengthy Facebook post saying he has engaged in rough sex, but says it was always consensual. He says he was fired from CBC because of the risk that his sex life would become public “as a result of a campaign of false allegations.”

Oct. 27: The Toronto Star publishes a report detailing allegations from three women who say 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.” The Star reported none of the women filed police complaints. The newspaper also reported that a fourth woman who worked at the CBC alleged that Ghomeshi “approached her from behind and cupped her rear end in the Q studio” and made a sexually obscene comment to her during a story meeting. The Star reported Ghomeshi told the newspaper that he did not understand why it was continuing to pursue allegations when “my lawyers have already told you it is untrue.”

Oct. 27: Ghomeshi’s lawyers file a lawsuit suing the CBC for $55 million plus special damages and alleging breach of confidence, bad faith and defamation. The CBC did not immediately file a formal statement of defence, but a spokesman said the public broadcaster plans to “contest this matter vigorously.”

Oct. 28: The CBC issues an internal memo saying it is conducting a “continuing investigation” into a claim of misconduct against one of its employees. The memo never named Ghomeshi directly, but said it became aware of the claim through a story published in the Toronto Star.

Oct. 29: CBC current affairs radio show As it Happens airs an interview with a woman who alleges Ghomeshi punched her repeatedly in the head without warning. The woman said she did not go to police and felt emboldened to come forward after reading the allegations in the Toronto Star. The woman was not named.

Oct. 29: The Toronto Star publishes another article, saying eight women now allege abusive behaviour by Ghomeshi. Trailer Park Boys actress Lucy DeCoutere agrees to be identified in connection with her allegations against Ghomeshi. DeCoutere accused Ghomeshi of choking her “to the point she could not breathe” and slapping her “hard three times on the side of her head.” The Star said Ghomeshi, his lawyers and public relations staff had not responded to allegations in their latest report.

Oct. 30: Ghomeshi issues a Facebook post saying that he intends to “meet these allegations directly,” but adding he will not communicate with the media.

Oct. 30: The CBC says it is hiring a third-party company to conduct an investigation in the wake of allegations against Ghomeshi. It also says CBC is making counsellors available to employees.

Oct. 30: Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair says there is no investigation underway against Ghomeshi, adding someone must lodge a formal complaint in order for a probe to be launched. None of Ghomeshi’s accusers had reported going to police with their allegations.

Oct. 30: Two public relations firms, Navigator and Rock-it Promotions, issue statements saying they no longer represent Ghomeshi

Oct, 30: Another woman, identifying herself as Reva Seth, writes an article for the Huffington Post involving her own allegations of an aggressive, non-consensual encounter with Ghomeshi.

Nov. 5: Criminal lawyer Marie Henein is retained by Ghomeshi.

Nov. 6: One of his alleged victims, actress Lucy Decoutere says she has been interviewed by police and encourages other alleged victims to speak with them.

Nov. 25: CBC announces that Ghomeshi has dropped his $55-million lawsuit against the broadcaster and will pay its legal costs totalling $18,000. Ghomeshi had also filed a union grievance against the CBC alleging dismissal without cause, a matter which the CBC’s Chuck Thompson says still remains active.

Nov. 26: Ghomeshi surrenders to Toronto police and is charged with four counts of sexual assault and one count of overcome resistance choking, exactly one month after he was fired from the CBC over allegations of physical abuse.