CBC asks court to dismiss Ghomeshi’s lawsuit

TORONTO – The CBC is asking a court to dismiss the $55-million lawsuit filed by former Q radio host Jian Ghomeshi.

In a statement, the broadcaster says the claim is “without merit” and an abuse of the court’s process.

The CBC fired Ghomeshi, 47, on Oct. 26 after seeing what it called “graphic evidence” that he had caused physical injury to a woman.

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Timeline: Sex assault allegations arise after CBC fires Jian Ghomeshi

Ghomeshi, who faces no charges, admitted in a lengthy Facebook posting to having a proclivity for rough sex but insisted his encounters with women were consensual.

Following his firing, Ghomeshi filed his lawsuit alleging defamation and breach of confidence.

He has also filed a grievance alleging wrongful dismissal and defamation.

READ MORE: Jian Ghomeshi hires prominent criminal lawyer Marie Henein

The CBC says Ghomeshi’s remedy for any alleged wrongdoing is through his union, the Canadian Media Guild.

The broadcaster says that as a member of a union with a collective agreement, Ghomeshi’s only legal avenue is through the arbitration process, not the courts.