Toronto·Recap

Jian Ghomeshi trial: Complainant says she tried to bait former host with 'flirtatious' emails

One of the complainants in the Jian Ghomeshi trial was asked in court Tuesday why she emailed the former radio host twice, more than a year after she alleges he attacked her.

Defence lawyer focuses on inconsistencies in woman's descriptions about alleged assaults

Lawyer for Ghomeshi complainant speaks

9 years ago
Duration 3:50
Lawyer, Jacob Jesin says his client feels relieved to have told her story in court.

One of the complainants in the Jian Ghomeshi trial was asked in court Tuesday why she emailed the former radio host twice, more than a year after she alleges he attacked her.

The woman, who included a bikini picture in one of the emails, said she was trying to "bait" Ghomeshi to get him to contact her to explain why he was violent with her.

She had previously told police and the court she had no contact with Ghomeshi after two alleged attacks.

Ghomeshi's lawyer, Marie Henein, asked the complainant whether the tone of the emails was flirtatious, and the woman agreed it was.

​Ghomeshi, 48, of Toronto, has pleaded not guilty to four counts of sexual assault and one of choking, with the charges involving three women. He is being tried by judge alone in the Ontario Court of Justice.

During her cross-examination on the second day of the trial, Henein highlighted how the complainant, who cannot be named, told differing accounts regarding certain details about the alleged assaults to police and during her testimony.

The case has been adjourned until Thursday.

You can follow the latest developments in the high profile case on our live blog Thursday.