Dominatrix threatens Canadian senators with exposing politician clients

The Canadian Senate had a most unusual sight on Wednesday: A hearing on prostitution, in which a riding crop–brandishing dominatrix threatened that unless sex work is legalized, she would name a great number of politicians who have frequented the services of sex workers.
The witness was Terri-Jean Bedford, who won a lawsuit at Canada's Supreme Court last December to overturn the country's existing prostitution laws. The hearing was to explore potential legislation to again render prostitution illegal.
Cracking a riding crop, the leather-clad Bedford had explained there were many "levels of choice" — due to poverty and financial need — that drove people [to] enter the sex trade. Then Bedford had this warning: "I'd also like to say if this law passes, I'm going to make you guys forget about Mike Duffy, because I've got more information and more proof on politicians in this country than you can shake a stick at. I promise." [The Toronto Star]
Some context: Mike Duffy is a member of the Canadian Senate who has been at the center of an expenses scandal that has tarred the governing Conservative Party. Thus, Bedford was essentially threatening to divulge information that would make the Duffy scandal seem like nothing by comparison. Soon afterward, she was ejected from the hearing for being continually disruptive.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Back out in the hallway, The Star reports, Bedford was asked whether she knew of any compromised current members of Parliament. Her answer: "What do you think?"
Watch the video below, courtesy of CBC News. --Eric Kleefeld
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - April 19, 2025
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - free trade, judicial pushback, and more
By The Week US
-
5 educational cartoons about the Harvard pushback
Cartoons Artists take on academic freedom, institutional resistance, and more
By The Week US
-
One-pan black chickpeas with baharat and orange recipe
The Week Recommends This one-pan dish offers bold flavours, low effort and minimum clean up
By The Week UK
-
British warship repels 'largest Houthi attack to date' in the Red Sea
Speed read Western allies warn of military response to Iranian-backed Yemeni rebels if attacks on ships continue
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK
-
Houthi rebels claim Red Sea ship attacks
speed read Iran-backed Yemeni group vows to escalate aggression towards Israel-linked vessels in revenge for Gaza war
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
Israel plans next phase of Gaza war as first hostages released
Speed read After four-day ceasefire 'we will not stop' until destruction of Hamas, says Israel
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK
-
Mob storms Russian airport 'looking for Jews'
Speed Read Plane from Israel surrounded by rioters chanting antisemitic slogans after landing in Russia's Dagestan region
By The Week UK
-
Tuberville's military promotions block is upending lives, combat readiness, 3 military branch chiefs say
Speed Read
By Peter Weber
-
Ukraine's counteroffensive is making incremental gains. Does it matter in the broader war?
Speed Read
By Peter Weber
-
US commissions first-ever Navy ship in a foreign port
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans
-
British spy chief, Wagner video suggest Prigozhin is alive and freely 'floating around'
Speed Read
By Peter Weber, The Week US