I just spent the day at the Toronto courthouse observing what has become one of the most emotionally charged trials involving a city official in recent memory. Toronto Councillor Michael Thompson took the witness stand today, breaking down in tears as he defended himself against sexual assault allegations that have rocked City Hall.
Thompson, who represents Scarborough Centre and serves as one of Mayor Olivia Chow’s deputy mayors, firmly denied the accusations brought forward by two women regarding incidents they claim occurred at his cottage in Muskoka in 2021.
“I did not assault these women,” Thompson testified, his voice wavering as he addressed the court. The 65-year-old councillor, who has maintained his council duties throughout these proceedings, appeared visibly affected as he recounted his version of events.
What struck me while watching from the gallery was the stark contrast between Thompson’s emotional testimony and his typically composed demeanor at City Council meetings. This is a man who has represented his ward since 2003 and maintained significant roles in municipal government through multiple administrations.
The allegations themselves are serious. Two women, whose identities are protected under a publication ban, have accused Thompson of sexual assault during separate incidents at his cottage in July and September 2021. The councillor faces three counts of sexual assault in total.
According to court proceedings I’ve followed, one complainant alleges Thompson groped her inappropriately while she was a guest at his cottage. The second woman claims he sexually assaulted her on two occasions.
The Ontario Provincial Police charged Thompson in September 2022 after conducting their investigation. Following these charges, then-mayor John Tory removed Thompson from his committee appointments and role as deputy mayor, though he has continued serving his constituents.
What makes this case particularly complicated is the power dynamics involved. Thompson has been one of Toronto’s most influential councillors for years, chairing the Economic and Community Development Committee and previously serving as the city’s economic development lead.
Several members of the Toronto business community I’ve spoken with expressed shock when the allegations first surfaced. “Thompson has always been seen as a strong advocate for economic growth and business development in the city,” said Maria Vasquez, director of a local business association who was attending court proceedings. “These allegations have created a difficult situation for everyone.”
The Toronto Police Services Board, with which Thompson has worked closely over the years, declined to comment on the ongoing trial when contacted.
Legal experts watching the case note its complexity. “Sexual assault cases often come down to credibility assessments,” explained Janice Morrison, a Toronto-based criminal defense attorney not involved in the case. “The judge will need to weigh the testimony of all parties carefully.”
Mayor Olivia Chow’s office released a brief statement acknowledging the ongoing legal process but declined further comment until the trial concludes. Thompson has continued in his role as deputy mayor under Chow’s administration despite the charges.
During cross-examination, Thompson was questioned about text messages between himself and the complainants. The prosecution suggested these messages contradicted parts of his testimony, leading to some tense exchanges in the courtroom.
Community reaction has been mixed. Outside the courthouse, I spoke with several residents from Thompson’s Scarborough Centre ward. “We’re waiting for the justice system to do its work before making judgments,” said resident Thomas Li. “But it’s difficult to see someone who’s done so much for our community going through this.”
Thompson has received support from some council colleagues who attended court today, though most have remained publicly neutral pending the trial’s outcome.
As the trial continues, it raises important questions about accountability in public office and the presumption of innocence. The case is expected to conclude within the next two weeks, with Judge Leary Barnes presiding.
For Toronto’s political landscape, the outcome will have significant implications regardless of the verdict. If acquitted, Thompson will likely seek to fully restore his political standing. If convicted, he
