WATCH ABOVE: Howard Levitt explains why Jian Ghomeshi’s lawsuit against the CBC is frivolous, and why he doesn’t trust the CBC to conduct its own internal investigation.
TORONTO – Four Toronto lawyers have stepped up to offer free legal aid to complainants of fired CBC host Jian Ghomeshi.
Lawyers Marcy Segal, Jacob Jesin, Alvin Shidlowski and Robert Rotenberg have offered their assistance to any alleged victim who comes forward.
“A lot of these alleged victims were having real problems coming forward because they felt either intimidated, they were fearful for repercussions and they were even not going to the police,” Segal said.
“Maybe if they’re given pro bono legal services, they will have the ability to come forward and report the allegations if they so wished.”
Ghomeshi is currently being investigated by Toronto police after three women approached them with abuse complaints.
WATCH: Lawyers jump in to help alleged victims in Jian Ghomeshi case. Christina Stevens reports.
Timeline: Sex assault allegations arise after CBC fires Jian Ghomeshi
He has said he was fired as a CBC Radio host because of the risk that his sex life would become public “as a result of a campaign of false allegations.”
Ghomeshi also said he has engaged in rough sex, but that it was always consensual.
The broadcaster has hired an independent investigator to look at its handling of the situation in the aftermath of the scandal.
READ MORE: Jian Ghomeshi hires prominent criminal lawyer Marie Henein
One of the women accusing the former “Q” host of violent behaviour is encouraging other potential victims not to be afraid of speaking with police.
“Trailer Park Boys” actress Lucy Decoutere has issued a statement saying she spoke with Toronto police Thursday and found her interactions with officers were “warm and sympathetic.”
READ MORE: Toronto police Chief Blair renews call for victims to come forward
Decoutere says she’s sharing her impressions in hopes of making other women feel safer or more confident about reporting sexual
violence.
With files from The Canadian Press
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