Complainant in Jake Virtanen sex assault trial testifies she repeatedly said she didn't want sex

WARNING: This article contains graphic content and may affect those who have experienced​ ​​​sexual violence or know someone affected by it.

The sexual assault jury trial of former Vancouver Canuck Jake Virtanen began Monday in B.C. Supreme Court in Vancouver with the complainant, identified as MS, taking the stand. 

Virtanen, 25, is facing one count of sexual assault related to an alleged incident of non-consensual sexual intercourse in his hotel room at Vancouver's Westin Bayshore Hotel on Sept 26, 2017. He has maintained his innocence since the allegation came to light.

Under questioning by Crown counsel Alan Ip, MS testified she pulled away from Virtanen repeatedly as he attempted to touch, kiss and undress her in his hotel room. She said she explicitly told him more than once that she "seriously and genuinely" did not want to have sex with him. 

"I just kept saying no, that I didn't want to," said an emotional MS.

Virtanen was 21 at the time of the alleged assault, MS 18.

MS testified that Virtanen replied to her rebukes, "it's OK, we don't have to," more than once.

MS said she believed him, but his physical advances continued to escalate. She said he eventually used his body weight to pin her on the bed. She said she did not consent to him penetrating her and did not consent to him not wearing a condom. 

Afterward, she went to the bathroom and cried.

MS testified after the alleged assault, she spent the night in the hotel room, expecting Virtanen to drive her home. But in the morning, he told her he had practice and gave her money for a cab instead.

On May 1, 2021, the Vancouver Canucks placed Virtanen on leave when allegations of sexual misconduct became public. Two months later, the club bought him out of his