Hockey trial's defense continues grilling primary witness in sexual assault case
Here's the rewritten article:
Warning: This story contains graphic details and allegations of sexual assault
The sexual assault trial of five ex-hockey stars is set to continue today, delving deeper into a shocking incident from 2018.
The accuser, under a publication ban, testified on Wednesday that she took on a "porn star persona" as a coping mechanism in a hotel room engulfed by the men. This move, as she explained, was in response to the roles the men apparently forced her into, believing she wouldn't be able to leave unless she obliged.
- Recap: The grueling sexual assault trial of five hockey players
- Day 6: It was all just a joke to them: The accuser speaks out at the hockey players' sexual assault trial
- Day 7: Defence suggests the accuser sought 'a wild night' with the group at the hotel
- Day 8: Court hears the accuser adopted a 'persona' of an adult film star
The quintet—Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dube, and Callan Foote—all deny the sexual assault charges. McLeod also rejects an additional charge of being an accomplice to the offense of sexual assault.
All the accused were part of Canada's triumphant 2018 world junior team. They were present in London, Ontario, for celebrations marking their gold-medal-winning stint at the tournament that year.
Support for those struggling with sexual assault or trauma:
If you're in immediate danger or fear for your safety, call 911.
For a list of sexual assault centers in Canada providing information, advocacy, and counseling, visit the Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website.
Here's a roundup of helplines, legal services, and locations offering sexual assault kits in Alberta, B.C., Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario, and Nova Scotia.
National Residential School Crisis Line: +1 866 925 4419
Crisis line (24 hours): 416 597 8808
Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline: +1 833 900 1010
Trans Lifeline: +1 877 330 6366
Military sexual misconduct support for current or former members of the Armed Forces: +1 844 750 1648
Learn about your rights as a victim here.
Enrichment Data
The trial revolves around allegations of sexual assault against five former members of Canada's 2018 World Junior Hockey team. All defendants deny the charges. The incident is believed to have occurred during a Hockey Canada gala celebrating their championship at the 2018 World Junior tournament[1][2][3].
During the trial's opening week, the accuser testified that she found herself in a hotel room with the men, whom she didn't know well, and felt frightened when they appeared without her knowledge. She claimed she was coerced into performing certain sexual acts while onlookers laughed[1]. All five accused have pleaded not guilty, and none currently have active NHL contracts or are on NHL rosters[1][2][3]. The trial is ongoing, with further evidence and testimonies anticipated[2].
- The trial, involving five former hockey players from Canada's 2018 World Junior team, continues today, focusing on allegations of sexual assault.
- In her testimony, the accuser described adopting a "porn star persona" as a means of coping in a hotel room where the attack allegedly took place.
- The defense suggested during the trial that the accuser had sought "a wild night" with the group at the hotel.
- Helplines and resources are available for those struggling with sexual assault or trauma, including toll-free numbers in various provinces and the Canadian Association of Sexual Assault Centres' website.
