Radio Host Jian Ghomeshi Charged with Sexual Assault

Canadian radio host Jian Ghomeshi has been charged with sexual assault, the Toronto Police announced.

The former CBC host surrendered to the authorities on Wednesday and was charged with four counts of sexual assault and one count of overcoming resistance by choking.

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Until last month, Ghomeshi hosted Q, one of the most popular shows onCanadian public radio. But in October, the CBC suspended and ultimately fired Ghomeshi after learning of multiple accusations of sexual assault. At the time, Ghomeshi posted a lengthy note on Facebook saying the CBC was making a moral judgment against him for enjoying consensual rough sex and BDSM. He filed a $55 million lawsuit against the CBC, but dropped it on Tuesday.

The Toronto Star had been investigating Ghomeshi since May regarding allegations from multiple women that he violently and sexually assaulted them. In October, police urged other women to come forward and launched their own investigation after nine women reported incidents to various media outlets.

According to People, Ghomeshi made bail at $100,000, but only on the condition that he turn over his passport and live with his mother. Ghomeshi's lawyer, Marie Henein, said the radio host will be pleading not guilty of the charges, which carry sentences ranging from 10 years to life in prison.