The high-profile sexual assault trial in London, Ontario, involving five former junior hockey players, has become a flashpoint of debate across Canada. The accused — Michael McLeod, Carter Hart, Alex Formenton, Dillon Dubé, and Cal Foote — have pleaded not guilty. The complainant, known only as E.M., says she was assaulted by multiple players in a hotel room in 2018 after a Hockey Canada event.
Outside the courthouse, the atmosphere is tense. Supporters of E.M. chant, “We believe you,” while counter-protesters from the #HimToo camp argue the men’s lives are being ruined without proper proof.
At the heart of the case is the question of consent. E.M. says she agreed to sex with one man but was later forced into acts with others. Some defense witnesses claim the acts were consensual and initiated by her.
Emotions are running high. Some call E.M. brave for coming forward, while others claim the accused are being unfairly targeted. Advocates worry the case is fueling harmful myths about sexual assault.
As the trial nears its conclusion, the nation is watching closely, divided — not just by what happened that night, but by what they believe about justice, truth, and accountability.