Crown Challenges Consent Claims in Hockey Canada Sexual Assault Trial

The sexual assault trial involving five members of Canada's 2018 World Junior hockey team centers on allegations that a woman, known as E.M., was sexually assaulted in a London, Ontario hotel room after initially consenting to sex with one player. Prosecutor Meaghan Cunningham argued that videos showing E.M. saying she was "OK with this" do not prove her consent to specific acts, describing them as "token lip service." The Crown emphasized that E.M. exhibited normal trauma responses such as dissociation and passive resistance, countering defense claims that questioned her credibility and suggested she exaggerated her claims following a civil suit settlement. Cunningham criticized defense tactics for perpetuating the "myth of the ideal victim," noting that E.M.'s demeanor was unfairly scrutinized as either too emotional or too calm, and maintained that her testimony was consistent and truthful. The defense argued the sexual contact was consensual or denied involvement, while the prosecution highlighted the escalation of events, intimidation by the players, and E.M.'s fear and confusion during the incident. Ontario Superior Court Justice Maria Carroccia is expected to issue her ruling on July 24.