WARNING: This article contains graphic content and may affect those who have experienced sexual violence or know someone affected by it.
Canadian musician Jacob Hogard has categorically denied raping two women, one of whom was a teenager at the time, testifying in court on Tuesday that both meetings were by mutual consent and “passionate”.
Taking a stand in his own defense of the sexual assault trial, Hoghard, 37, admitted that some of the actions allegedly committed during the two meetings in 2016 – including spitting, slapping and calling the complainants “slut” and “whore” – may have happened because they were among his sexual preferences.
However, he denied that he had touched any of the applicants without their consent, nor that the applicants had cried or said “no” during the meetings. He also denied touching the younger complainant, a longtime fan he first met when she was 12, sexually, before turning 16.
“I knew when she turned 16… I just wanted to know,” Hogard told the court.
When asked why he wanted to know, he said, “Be responsible and not break the law … I’m pretty sure the age of consent in Canada is 16.”
Hogard, the Hedley frontman, pleaded not guilty to two counts of sexual assault and one of sexual intercourse, sexual assault.
It is common ground that Hoghard arranged for each of the applicants to meet with him at hotels in the Toronto area on two separate occasions in the autumn of 2016.
Prosecutors allege that once at the hotel, Hoghard repeatedly raped the applicants, leaving them bleeding and bruised.
Both women testified that they cried and said no during the meetings. The younger applicant also said that she had tried to resist physically, but that Hoghard had pressured her.
The artist’s sketch shows defense attorney Megan Savard questioning Hogard at the Toronto sexual assault trial on Tuesday while his wife, Rebecca Asselstin, left, and Judge Gillian Roberts, top left, watch. (Alexandra Newbold / Canadian Press)
In his testimony Tuesday, Hoghard recalled enjoying the attention he received after the band became famous in 2004, noting that it had become much easier for him to meet women.
One-night stands became commonplace during the tour, even when there was a relationship, the singer said, adding that he had built a significant list of sexual partners in different cities. It was “difficult” to be faithful and easier to “just enjoy the attention,” he said.
It would be quite common for him to arrange transportation through a travel agent to bring women to his hotel while on tour, he said.
None of the applicants could be identified under a ban on publication, nor could several other witnesses.
Support is available to anyone who has been sexually assaulted. Through it you can access crisis lines and local support services Canadian government website or Canadian Association for the Elimination of Violence database. If you are in immediate danger or fear for your safety or the safety of others around you, please call 911.
Add Comment