7 AUGUST: Billionaire Frank Stronach has publicly denied allegations of rape, assault, and forcible confinement that have led to 13 sex crime charges against him. In his first interview since his June arrest, the 91-year-old Canadian business magnate asserted his innocence, claiming the accusations are lies motivated by financial gain.
Stronach’s Defense and Accusations
Stronach expressed pity for the women who made the allegations, suggesting they are driven by a desire for monetary compensation. “We have a lot of data which totally will prove those things are lies,” Stronach said, though he did not provide specific details. He added, “I feel sorry for the women that made those charges.”
One of the accusers, a 65-year-old woman referred to as Leigh, recounted her experience to CBC News. She alleged that Stronach raped her in 1980 when she worked as a horse groomer at one of his stables in Aurora, Ontario. Leigh described quitting her job and abandoning her passion for horse riding due to the trauma.
Historical Allegations and Legal Proceedings
The charges against Stronach span from 1977 to 2024, with incidents allegedly occurring in Toronto and York Region. Leigh’s complaint, initially filed with Toronto police, was later transferred to Peel Regional Police, leading to Stronach’s arrest after nearly a decade of investigation.
Stronach, who has recently changed legal representation to lawyer Leora Shemesh, maintains that the charges will be dismissed as lies. “It’s a lie, it’s a lie, it’s a lie,” he stated. Stronach has also criticized Canada’s economic situation and suggested that economic hardship may be influencing the accusations.
Legal and Public Reactions
Stronach’s case is set to return to court on October 7 in Brampton, Ontario. Meanwhile, both York and Peel police have declined to comment on the ongoing case. A Toronto Police Services spokesperson stated that they would not discuss complaints currently before the courts.
Leora Shemesh plans to argue that Stronach’s charges should be heard in the specific jurisdictions where the alleged incidents occurred, rather than in Peel region. Stronach, who has always wanted a female lawyer, believes that women have a better understanding of such cases.
