A distressing narrative is unfolding as Robert Miller, a billionaire from Montreal, is accused of engaging in paid sex with underage females – a claim that his defence team allegedly attempts to quash through intimidating those who have come forward. These developments come to light as two more complainants join a class-action lawsuit against Mr. Miller. Both assert they were paid substantial sums of money for sex with Miller during the far-flung days of the 1970s and 1990s, while still minors, barely 12 years old.
Jeff Orenstein, acting as the legal representative of the plaintiffs, appeared in court recently, opposing the release of personal details of the pioneering plaintiff who initiated this lawsuit against the Future Electronics Inc. founder. The class-action lawsuit, as of now, awaits authorization for proceedings by a presiding judge.
Given the current stage of proceedings, the accusations brought forward via the lawsuit have not yet been subject to official court scrutiny or trial.
Orenstein contests the request for disclosure of the plaintiff’s residential address and birth date, though he has acquiesced to revealing her name. As he put it, “It’s supposed to be confidential when sexual misconduct victims come forward. Their private information…should be confidential and should be held in the strictest confidence.”
The defining plaintiff, known in the lawsuit as S.N., alleges that she was 17 when she first engaged sexually with Miller, familiarly known as “Bob”.
Miller’s legal counsel argues that verification of her identity is necessary, asking for items of identification. Orenstein, however, views this as an intimidation measure. He commented, “Society is supposed to encourage victims of any sort of abuse, sexual abuse, physical abuse, to come forward…This case is admittedly very specific but I think that is what the case law has said the courts should do and protect people.”
Miller denies the allegations, a sentiment he made public via a company-released statement. Meanwhile, his attorneys decline to engage in discussion with the press.
One of the newly-emerged plaintiffs, referred to as “Madame #46”, alleges that her sexual relations with Miller continued until she reached 17 years of age. She provided detailed accounts of payment for these assignations and the emotional trauma they left in their wake. Madame #46 expressed a need to come forward, believing it her duty to offer support to other alleged victims.
Orenstein reveals that a total of 15 plaintiffs have provided sworn affidavits claiming a palpable fear of Miller, only partaking in the lawsuit with the assurance their identities remain undisclosed. This appears to endorse Orenstein’s belief that victims of such abuse should be encouraged to come forward, shielded by the protection of confidentiality, as it is their societal and legal right.
