UPDATE: Lights appears to have deleted her "super hero" post supporting Ghomeshi from her official Facebook page. The singer has made no other comment on any of her official sites or accounts.
A few Canadian celebrities have come forward to express their support for Jian Ghomeshi in light of the recent allegations surrounding his professional separation from the CBC, and reported sexual misconduct, but so far none have been as vocal as singer-songwriter Lights.
The 27-year-old, who still calls Ghomeshi, 47, her manager, took to Facebook on Monday to post an open letter that characterizes him as a “complete gentleman.”
Ghomeshi and the public broadcaster formally parted ways on Sunday, with the “1982” author alleging he was fired due to his sexual behaviour in his private life in a revealing Facebook post. Hours later, the Toronto Star and Canadaland broke the story, in which three anonymous women describe alleged sexual and physical assaults by Ghomeshi, with another former CBC employee recounting a reported sexual harassment case in the workplace.
None of these allegations align with Lights’ view of Ghomeshi’s personality, or character.
“In my twelve years of working with and knowing Jian Ghomeshi, he has not only been a brilliant manager to my career, but a creative confidant, wise advisor and dear friend,” writes the “Up We Go” singer. “Jian is not an example of someone who is abusive or misogynistic, in fact, he has always preached to the empowerment and limitless strength of women to me. I am who I am, with the strength that I have, largely due to his guidance.”
Lights goes into further detail about her longstanding relationship with the former Q host, making particular reference to his “passionate” and “sensitive” personality. The two have regularly made public appearances together, including one at the 2009 Juno Awards in Vancouver, where Lights received the trophy for New Artist of the Year.
But online, she chastises the CBC for their reported dismissal of the Thornhill, Ont. native.
“It is not my business or anyone else's what someone does in their private time and it's unfair that his is being broadcast to the world,” Lights writes. “I am angry that CBC made the decision they did and I believe it to be a great mistake.”
She closes by saying, “I love you Jian. You’re my super hero [sic].”
This is not the first time Lights has come to Ghomeshi’s defence. On Oct. 12, shortly after the death of Ghomeshi’s father, she posted a photo collage of the two to Instagram, with the caption, “Jian has been my manager for 12 years, long standing friend and creative confidant. Been my champion since I was basically a fetus. Love you, Jian!! #jianghomeshi”
Lights is not alone with her stance regarding Ghomeshi’s behaviour. Former “Hockey Night in Canada” host Ron MacLean tweeted support for the former Moxy Fruvous frontman’s legal rights in his battle against the CBC.
Ghomeshi is suing network for $55 million in restitution and damages and to be reinstated.
Here is Lights’ full statement:
In my twelve years of working with and knowing Jian Ghomeshi, he has not only been a brilliant manager to my career, but a creative confidant, wise advisor and dear friend. He is passionate, sensitive, as bright as they come, has incredible drive and vision, and is the hardest working man I know. A complete gentleman.
Jian is not an example of someone who is abusive or misogynistic, in fact, he has always preached to the empowerment and limitless strength of women to me. I am who I am, with the strength that I have, largely due to his guidance. It is not my business or anyone else's what someone does in their private time and it's unfair that his is being broadcast to the world. For shame.
I am angry that CBC made the decision they did and I believe it to be a great mistake. I am angry that some are so quick to judge someone so graceful and brilliant who has made such an impact in my life, and in the lives of many others. I love you, Jian. You're my super hero.
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