Journalism students at London's Western University were warned by professors not to take internships at Jian Ghomeshi's CBC Radio show "Q", according to the Toronto Star.
In an article published Monday morning, The Star says concerns were raised about "inappropriate" behaviour towards a young woman who had graduated from Western and wanted to work at Q in 2012. A former Western student told The Star that students were informed internships there were "off limits."
Ghomeshi was abruptly fired last month, with the CBC stating information had come to light that made it impossible for their relationship to continue. Ghomeshi then took to Facebook stating he was dismissed for things he did in his private sex life, all of which he claims were consensual.
Following the fall out between CBC and Ghomeshi, the Toronto Star published a string of articles in which several women revealed numerous incidents involving non-consensual sexual violence and abuse. Many allege Ghomeshi had lured them to his home then violently hit them in the head and face. None of the incidents were reported to police.
Since then, three women have approached police with allegations and officers have launched an investigation. No charges have been laid as of yet.
Ghomeshi has launched a $55-million lawsuit against The CBC.
On Monday afternoon, Western University released the following statement:
"Western University has zero tolerance for sexual harassment.
The Faculty of Information and Media Studies has not proactively sought opportunities for student internships to CBC’s Q for the past six years. This position is of a direct result of a student returning from an internship at Q in 2008, and reporting he had been assigned everyday errands not related to journalism.
Western interns are expected to be given opportunities during placements that complement their journalism education.
The faculty has not placed any student at Q in the past six years. At no time has any Western student reported back from an internship at Q that inappropriate behaviour had occurred."
