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Jian Ghomeshi investigators hear from 3rd woman

Toronto police are asking for the public's help as they investigate former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi for what they are calling complaints of "assault and sexual assault" after three women alleged that they were attacked by him.

3 women have come forward to police, investigation in its 'infancy'

Jian Ghomeshi allegations investigated by police

10 years ago
Duration 2:37
Toronto police are now looking into allegations of violence after 3 women came forward to file complaints against the former CBC radio host

Toronto police are asking for the public's help as they investigate former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi for what they are calling complaints of "assault and sexual assault" after three women alleged that they were attacked by him.

The investigation is in its "infancy," sex crimesInsp. Joanna Beaven-Desjardins said Saturday. None of the allegations has been proven.

She called on anyone with any evidence that could help the investigation to contact police and said potential evidence would include videos, photos or online messaging.

She encouraged any potential further victims to contact police as well either to file a report, discuss their options or seek counselling.

"Even if they don't want to report but they want to talk to us, we welcome that," Beaven-Desjardins said at news conference.

Former CBC radio host Jian Ghomeshi denies any allegations that he engaged in non-consensual sexual activities. (Mark Blinch/Reuters)
Over the past week, several women have spoken with either the Toronto Star or CBC and claimed they were in some way attacked by Ghomeshi during romantic encounters. The majority of the women spoke with the media anonymously and, at the time, none of them had filed a police complaint.

Trailer Park Boysstar LucyDeCouteretold CBC News thatGhomeshiphysically attacked herduring a date in 2003.None of the women who spoke with the CBC instructedGhomeshito stop the alleged violence as it was happening.

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Beaven-Desjardins would not say if any of the women who have filed police complaints are among those who spoke to the media.

CBC News has confirmed DeCoutere is one of the three women who have sincecome forward to the police.

"On Thursday, Oct. 23, CBC saw, for the first time, graphic evidence that Jian Ghomeshi had caused physical injury to a woman. We have reached out to the police and will fully cooperate with their investigation," CBC spokesman Chuck Thompson said Saturday.

Ghomeshihas denied all allegations that he engaged in any non-consensual sexual activity.He posted a detailed note on Facebook last weekend describing his sexual preferencesand said he has onlyparticipated in acts that were "mutually agreed upon, consensual and exciting for both partners."

On Thursday, he issued a new Facebook statement, saying, "I want to thank you for your support and assure you that I intend to meet these allegations directly. I dont intend to discuss this matter any further with the media."

CBC ended its relationship with the formerQhost on Oct. 26.

Ghomeshi has launched a $55-million lawsuit against the CBC and is also grieving his dismissal through the union process.

Beaven-Desjardins said the police have not yet spoken to Ghomeshi. She said the police will invite him to come speak to them.