By Valley Girl News
Babe. BABE. We have literally never been so furious, confused, and betrayed by a verdict in our lives. The five junior hockey players who were accused of sexually assaulting a young woman in a London, Ontario hotel room in 2018? They were all just found not guilty. Like, every. Single. One.
Like, let’s be clear — E.M. originally sued eight players plus Hockey Canada and the CHL back in 2022, making it a whole federal scandal. Only five of them were ever criminally charged, but girl, that still leaves others out there who were never named — protected by that mystery-money hush-hush settlement that started this mess all over again.
And honestly? We’re not okay.
The Hockey Bro Verdict Heard ‘Round the Country
Michael McLeod? Not guilty.
Dillon Dubé? Not guilty.
Alex Formenton? Not guilty.
Carter Hart? Not guilty.
Cal freaking Foote? ALSO not guilty.
Like—what is happening right now???
Let’s rewind. Court heard that E.M. (the survivor—standing with you, girl) did have consensual sex with McLeod at first. But then HE TEXTED HIS TEAMMATES to join in. What followed was a parade of sex acts with multiple guys, in one hotel room, while E.M. said she felt scared and overwhelmed. And now the court’s like, “Yeah, well, she didn’t remember every exact detail so… not guilty.” EXCUSE ME???
McLeod literally said she was offering sex to the room and “he got one.” Quote. That’s the kind of guy we’re letting off the hook now? Apparently, the judge was “concerned” he didn’t tell police the full story, but like… not enough to hold him accountable?
The Judge’s Take Was Giving… Misogyny in a Blazer. Justice Carroccia basically dragged E.M.’s memory, said she exaggerated how drunk she was, and decided that if she wasn’t stumbling in heels or slurring, then she wasn’t too intoxicated to consent. What?! Since when do we measure trauma based on how well someone can walk in stilettos?? Are we in court or a RuPaul runway?
And then the worst part? The “consent videos.” Yeah—E.M. didn’t know they were being filmed. But because she says “okay” on camera while wiping tears, the judge decided it meant she was fine. Screaming. That’s not consent. That’s not clarity. That’s coercion caught on camera.
Cal Foote Did a Naked SPLIT Over Her Face and That’s… Not Sexual? We literally can’t make this up. E.M. says Foote did the splits over her face with his junk right there. The judge admitted it happened but decided it wasn’t “sexual in nature.” Girl… what is it then? A gymnastics exhibition?!
Let’s Talk About E.M. Throughout this circus of a trial, E.M. showed up. She stood up. She relived every horrifying second in front of a courtroom that picked apart her fear, her memory, and even her body language. She testified about being scared. She said she couldn’t process it all back in 2018. She said this was her moment to stand up for herself. And what did the system say in return?
“Sorry babe, not good enough.”
Also, not to be shady, but let’s not forget: there was a confidential settlement between E.M. and Hockey Canada. The terms and money? Totally sealed. But like… what does that say? Something happened. Something bad enough to write a cheque for. But apparently, not bad enough for justice?
This Is Bigger Than Room 209. We’re not just heartbroken for E.M.—but for every girl who watched this and thought, what if that happens to me? What if I get blamed for drinking too much? What if they say I liked the attention? What if my trauma isn’t enough?
Canada, we need to talk. Hockey bros are not above the law. “Group sex” without clear, enthusiastic consent is not a party—it’s a violation. And survivors deserve better than this humiliating courtroom circus.
Stay safe out there girls! Justice wasn’t served. But the rage? Oh, it’s piping hot.
XOXO,
Valley Girl News
Still screaming. Still in heels.
