An Ontario Superior Court judge has dismissed a motion by Frank Stronach’s granddaughter, Selena Stronach, that sought to compel the Stronach Group to disclose documents related to sexual misconduct claims against the 91-year-old family patriarch. The motion also aimed to uncover records of payments made by the group to settle such claims, arguing that misconduct probably occurred in the corporate environment, potentially involving the misuse of corporate assets.
Last Wednesday, Justice Peter Osborne dismissed the motion, stating there was “simply no evidence” in the record that the requested documents existed. The legal battle comes amid a backdrop of serious sexual assault charges against Frank Stronach. In June, Stronach was charged with rape, attempted rape, indecent assault, forcible confinement, and sexual assault related to alleged attacks on women dating back to 1977. Stronach, the founder of the global auto parts business Magna International and the Stronach Group, denies the allegations. The Stronach Group is the largest thoroughbred racetrack owner in the US, with notable assets including California’s Santa Anita Racetrack, Gulfstream Park in Florida, and Maryland’s Pimlico Racecourse.
Selena Stronach’s filing is part of a separate 2019 civil lawsuit that accuses Belinda Stronach, the company’s current CEO, chair, and president, of corporate mismanagement. Belinda is Frank’s daughter and Selena’s aunt. This lawsuit adds to the existing family turmoil, as Frank Stronach had filed a similar lawsuit against his daughter and other family members in 2018, which was settled in 2020. Following the settlement, Frank Stronach was awarded a stallion and breeding business. Belinda Stronach expressed her appreciation for the court’s consideration, emphasizing that the criminal proceedings against her father are unrelated to the civil litigation brought by her niece.
In court, Mark Gelowitz, representing the defense, accused Selena Stronach of being on a “fishing expedition,” suggesting her motion aimed to embarrass his clients. In contrast, Selena’s lawyer, Matthew Gottlieb, argued that the Stronach Group’s failure to deny the existence of misconduct settlements implied they existed. However, Justice Osborne denied Gottlieb’s request to cross-examine the defendants. Belinda Stronach stated her eagerness to proceed with the civil trial involving both Selena and her brother, Andrew Stronach, in hopes of resolving what has become a difficult chapter for the family and the business.
