WATCH: Jian Ghomeshi leaves a Toronto courthouse on Wednesday through a sea of media
TORONTO – Flare magazine apologized Friday for an online article which dissected disgraced former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi’s choice of clothing for his court appearance on sexual assault charges.
Ghomeshi was met by a crush of reporters outside a Toronto courthouse Wednesday after posting bail on four charges of sexual assault and one charge of choking.
“His sombre exit appearance before the throng of cameras and reporters—black suit, crisp white shirt and subtly patterned dark tie—was in stark contrast to his signature behind-the-scenes rock-guy style,” reads a portion of the article. “Absent were the leather jackets, chunky accessories and designer denim. Ghomeshi’s ubiquitous five o’clock shadow was turfed in favour of a close shave, and his adolescent mop top looked like it had been trimmed.”
The article focuses on his “corporate look” and debates whether or not the former Q host was wearing a tie in court.
“He’s more casual and he’s trying to enhance his likability factor by being friendlier. When you’re not wearing a tie you’re more open, you’re not as protected,” Diane Craig, a Toronto-based image consultant, is quoted as saying.
The magazine issued an apology on Twitter Friday afternoon, but defended the article.
“We apologize if we offended readers with the Jian Ghomeshi story. The article was not about fashion, but how appearance affects impression”
However, Flare got sharp criticism on social media for the post.
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