A recent documentary has brought to light the identity of one of the individuals who accused former Hedley frontman Jacob Hoggard of sexual assault. Jessica Baker, previously known as J.B. or the “Ottawa woman,” has come forward as the survivor of an assault by Hoggard in a Toronto hotel room back in 2016. Hoggard was convicted of sexual assault causing bodily harm against Baker in June 2022 and was subsequently sentenced to five years in prison, a sentence he is currently serving following an unsuccessful appeal.
Despite being shielded by a publication ban during the trial and afterward, Baker made the decision to reveal her identity in order to reclaim her narrative. In a new documentary titled “Breaking Idol” by CBC, Baker expressed her desire for recognition as a real person with emotions.
Hoggard, known for his time on “Canadian Idol” in 2004 and as the lead singer of Hedley, faced accusations of misconduct during the #MeToo movement in 2018. This led to the band being dropped by management and seeing a decline in radio airplay. While he was tried for sexual assault against two women, including Baker, he was solely found guilty in Baker’s case. Another sexual assault charge against him in Kirkland Lake, Ont., in 2016 resulted in a not guilty verdict in October 2024.
During the trial, Baker testified that Hoggard raped her despite her protests, leaving a lasting impact on her life. The documentary sheds light on the emotional toll of the trial and the aftermath for Baker. Daphne Gilbert, a law professor at the University of Ottawa specializing in sexual assault law, highlighted the challenges faced by survivors in coming forward, especially when the accused is a public figure.
Gilbert commended Baker’s courage in publicly revealing her identity and emphasized the need for improvements in how complainants are treated in the justice system. She proposed testimonial limits to enhance the experience for survivors during cross-examination.
Publication bans, aimed at protecting survivors’ identities, can provide a sense of anonymity but may also limit their ability to share their stories. Farrah Khan from Possibility Seeds noted the dual impact of publication bans on survivors, underscoring the importance of empowering survivors to share their experiences on their terms.
Support services are available for individuals who have experienced sexual assault, with crisis lines and local resources accessible through government and advocacy organization websites. If in immediate danger, individuals are urged to contact emergency services.