Defence in Hockey Canada Sexual Assault Trial Accused of Undermining Complainant's Credibility with "Ideal Victim" Myth

Strategic Insights -

The Crown in the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial has argued that the defence is attempting to undermine the complainant's credibility by relying on the myth of the ideal victim. Crown attorney Meaghan Cunningham pointed out that the defence is suggesting the complainant acted less like a witness and more like a PR professional during her nine days on the stand, alleging that she came to court with an agenda and tried to insert her talking points into her answers. Cunningham argued that this type of argument illustrates why victims are not treated fairly in the criminal justice system, as they are often criticized for not meeting the expected standards of an ideal victim. The defence has also suggested that the complainant is trying to make her experience sound more traumatic than it actually was, which Cunningham described as "myth-based reasoning."

Key Takeaways:

  • The Crown argued that the defence is relying on the myth of the ideal victim to undermine the complainant's credibility, suggesting that she acted like a PR professional on the stand.
  • The defence has alleged that the complainant was not credible due to inconsistencies in her testimony and her demeanor on the stand.
  • The complainant testified that she is a people-pleaser and was trying to fit in with the group, which Cunningham argued is a normal response to a stressful and traumatic event.
  • The Crown highlighted that the complainant's testimony was bolstered by her being "abundantly fair," consistent, and having no motive to fabricate, and that there is other evidence confirming what she said.
  • The defence has argued that the complainant's version of events in the lawsuit is different from what she told police in 2018, which Cunningham described as "illogical."
  • Cunningham argued that the complainant did not need to come to court and subject herself to nine days of testimony in order to keep the $3.5-million settlement money she received from Hockey Canada.

Statistics:

  • The complainant was 20 years old at the time of the alleged assault.
  • The complainant received a $3.5-million settlement from Hockey Canada after filing a lawsuit.
  • The trial has been ongoing since April 2025.
  • The Crown has alleged that multiple men, including Alex Formenton, Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Dillon Dubé, and Cal Foote, engaged in various non-consensual sexual acts with the complainant.
  • The complainant testified that she had memory gaps and that she was scared and confused when more men began showing up in the room.

Sources:

  • Star columnist Jacques Gallant, www.thestar.com
  • TSN news report