Marathon cross-examination continues for woman in Canadian world junior sex assault case

Legal Proceedings to Resume Today

The trial continues today with the third of five legal teams defending members of Canada’s 2018 world junior hockey team. Dan Brown, representing Alex Formenton, made headlines yesterday by suggesting that the complainant, E.M., had adopted a “fun alter-ego” due to the alcohol she consumed at Jack’s bar in London, Ont. on the night of the alleged assault in 2018.

Brown implied that this alter ego did not consider the consequences of her actions that night. However, E.M. defended herself by stating that she should be able to enjoy drinks and shots at a bar without it leading to an alleged assault.

Earlier, another defense lawyer had insinuated that E.M.’s behavior may have led the accused to believe she consented to group sexual activity at the Delta hotel in London. E.M. refuted this claim, stating that any such behavior was on “autopilot” as she tried to comprehend what was happening to her.

The court session is set to resume around 10 a.m. ET today, as the legal teams continue to present their arguments and cross-examine witnesses.