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Jian Ghomeshi

Jian Ghomeshi is a Canadian broadcaster, writer, musician, and former CBC personality.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Jian Ghomeshi is a Canadian broadcaster, writer, musician, and former CBC personality. He was a member of the band Moxy Früvous before becoming known as a television and radio host, especially for CBC Radio One's Q. In 2016, he was acquitted on charges of sexual assault and choking after a criminal trial in Ontario.

Early life and education

Ghomeshi was born in London, England, to Iranian parents and moved to Thornhill, Ontario, as a child. He later attended York University in Toronto.

Music career

He gained early attention as a member of Moxy Früvous, a Toronto-area folk-pop band active in the 1990s. His work with the group established him as a musician before his move into broadcasting.

Broadcasting career

Ghomeshi worked in television and radio during the 2000s, including roles with CBC. He became widely known as co-creator and host of Q, a prominent arts and culture program.

Ghomeshi was dismissed by CBC in 2014 after allegations of sexual misconduct became public. He was later tried and acquitted in 2016 on multiple sexual assault-related charges.

Key facts

  • Born in London to Iranian parents and raised in Thornhill, Ontario.
  • Was a vocalist and drummer in the Canadian folk-pop band Moxy Früvous from 1990 to 2000.
  • Built a national profile as a CBC radio and television broadcaster in the 2000s.
  • Co-created and hosted CBC Radio One's Q from 2007 until 2014.
  • Acquitted in 2016 on four sexual assault charges and one count of overcoming resistance by choking.
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Canadian context

He is a notable figure in Canadian broadcasting and music, with a career centered on CBC radio and a Canadian folk-pop band.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Jian Ghomeshi?
He is a Canadian broadcaster, writer, musician, and former CBC host best known for co-creating and hosting Q on CBC Radio One.
What band was Jian Ghomeshi in?
He was a vocalist and drummer in Moxy Früvous from 1990 to 2000.
What is Jian Ghomeshi known for in broadcasting?
He is best known for Q, a CBC Radio One talk and arts program he co-created and hosted.
Was Jian Ghomeshi convicted?
No. He was acquitted in 2016 of four sexual assault charges and one count of overcoming resistance by choking.
Where was Jian Ghomeshi born?
He was born in London, England.
What is Jian Ghomeshi's connection to Canada?
He was raised in Thornhill, Ontario, worked in Canadian media, and became a prominent CBC figure.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jian_Ghomeshi
    Supports: Birth date, birthplace, career as broadcaster/writer/musician, and Moxy Früvous membership.
  2. The Canadian Encyclopedia — https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/jian-ghomeshi
    Supports: Canadian upbringing, career overview, and 2016 acquittal.
  3. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/ghomeshi-rise-and-fall-1.3416416
    Supports: CBC career, firing in 2014, and subsequent criminal charges.
  4. CBC News — https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/jian-ghomeshi-sexual-assault-trial-ruling-1.3505446
    Supports: 2016 acquittal on sexual assault and choking-related charges.
  5. Penguin Random House — https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/authors/251973/jian-ghomeshi/
    Supports: Author/broadcaster profile, Q, and Moxy Früvous membership.