Quebec billionaire Robert Miller could have killed up to 100 victims, including one who was only 11 years old, it was revealed in court this Wednesday as a crucial stage opened which could cost him more than 250 million …if he doesn’t die first.
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“We think that 100 [victimes alléguées] will be involved, one of them was 11 years old when she received money to have sex with him, either in a hotel or in a house in Westmount,” explained Me Jeff Orenstein, this Wednesday at Montreal courthouse.
The lawyer was speaking on the sidelines of a hearing aimed at authorizing a gigantic class action against the founder of Future Electronics, now in his eighties.
Me Jeff Orenstein, who is leading the class action against billionaire Robert Miller, during a hearing at the Montreal courthouse on November 27, 2024. PHOTO MICHAËL NGUYEN
Photo Michaël Nguyen
The case is being led by a woman who was 17 when she was allegedly paid to have sex with Miller, but if she wins, all the alleged victims will be able to claim their share of the loot.
By seeking damages of at least $2.5 million per person, this means that Miller is gambling part of his fortune in this case. But he intends to defend himself, said his lawyer, Mr. Karim Renno.
He denies any wrongdoing
“Mr. Miller’s position is that he never had a sexual relationship with anyone under the age of 18, he does not admit to paying women to have sex sexual. »
And from this Wednesday, he intends to argue that the collective action should fall, among other things because the identity of the plaintiffs is being kept secret for the moment.
“It is not by remaining anonymous that we will find the truth,” said Mr. Renno. If you accuse someone and don’t want to identify yourself, the person cannot defend themselves. This is a problem in sexual assault class actions. »
Me Karim Renno, who defends billionaire Robert Miller targeted by a class action, during a hearing at the Montreal courthouse on November 27, 2024. PHOTO MICHAËL NGUYEN
Photo Michaël Nguyen
The lawyer also intends to plead the case of Gilbert Rozon, the ousted founder of Just for Laughs. Targeted by a class action by a group of women who accused him of being a sexual predator, he won his case at the Court of Appeal, which ruled that each complainant must file an individual civil suit.
On the verge of death
In Miller’s case, his lawyer assures that the billionaire wants to “present his own version”. But nothing is less certain, since the octogenarian is currently “on the verge of death”.
“Things are not going very well, Mr. Miller has very advanced Parkinson’s, he is no longer able to leave his bed,” he said. We hope that he will be able to stay alive for a long time, but that is not something guaranteed. »
Me Orenstein, for his part, is not worried, because in the event of the death of the billionaire, the process will continue.
“If he dies, it will be against his estate, we will go get the money,” he said, adding that Future Electronics was also being sued.
The hearing is expected to last several days, at the end of which Judge Catherine Piché will have to determine whether or not the class action can move forward.
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