Breaking Idol: CBC documentary about survivor Jessica Baker
In 2018, Jessica Baker reported a sexual assault by former Hedley frontman and Canadian Idol finalist Jacob Hoggard.
After that her identity was legally protected, known as “J.B.” until after Hoggard’s conviction and sentencing.
In 2025, Jesica lifted her publication to share her story of survival, resilience and of reclaiming her identity - and her power. From CBC, BREAKING IDOL confronts the darker side of fame, power, and public complicity.
Directed by multi-awardwinning filmmaker Tiffany Hsiung, Breaking Idol is based in part on the Canadian True Crime podcast series The Trial of Hedley’s Jacob Hoggard.
From CBC, Breaking Idol is a new documentary that explores the collision of fandom, power, and truth — revealing what happens when a survivor dares to reclaim her name and challenge the culture that protected her abuser.
BREAKING IDOL centers on J.B., formerly known only as “the Ottawa survivor”, who stood at the heart of one of Canada’s largest and most high-profile sexual assault trials.
Her case against musician Jacob Hoggard, frontman of the multi-platinum band Hedley, captivated the country and divided fans of all ages.
As J.B. navigates the aftermath of the trial and the relentless online harassment that followed, BREAKING IDOL confronts the darker side of fame, power, and public complicity.
J.B. in conversation with Kristi Lee in Breaking Idol
Director/Writer Tiffany Hsiung
Executive Producer Jamie Brown
Supervising Producer Sally Karam
Produced by Frantic Films for CBC’s The Passionate Eye
Consulting Producer Kristi Lee
Special thanks to J.B. and Kelly Favro
Based in part on Canadian True Crime’s podcast series The Trial of Hedley’s Jacob Hoggard
Steam now on CBC Gem and YouTube
