A Quebec judge is currently considering the arguments for a class-action lawsuit application against Robert Miller, the Montreal billionaire known as the founder of Future Electronics. Allegations have surfaced claiming he paid minors for sexual activities, prompting this legal inquiry. The proposed class-action lawsuit seeks to include individuals under 18 who were allegedly compensated for sex by Miller, as well as those who experienced sexual exploitation either directly by him or through associates, as determined by the court.
During the court proceedings, lawyer Jeff Orenstein revealed to the judge and audience present at the Quebec Superior Court hearing, "Fifty-one women have contacted my firm, but the total number of victims could be as high as one hundred. Many of these women have indicated they helped recruit others to have sexual encounters with Miller." This implies there may be broader repercussions stemming from the allegations, with numerous potential victims involved. Orenstein's statement draws attention to the alleged organized network of exploitation targeting young girls and women.
The lawsuit alleges systematic recruiting of high school students who were offered money and gifts for sexual encounters with Miller, effectively creating what they describe as a network meant for sexual abuse. Among the plaintiffs, one individual claims she was merely eleven years old when these incidents began. It is sobering to note the timeline covered by the lawsuit, which spans from the late 1970s until 2016.
The 81-year-old Miller became the focus of scrutiny earlier this year after Radio-Canada and the CBC published findings stating he allegedly provided cash and gifts to minors from 1994 through 2006, all in exchange for sexual favors. Following this report, Miller stepped down from his role as CEO of Future Electronics and sold the company.
Adding to the gravity of the situation, Miller was arrested this past May on charges amounting to 21 criminal counts, involving ten identified victims, many of whom are said to be minors. Importantly, it's worth noting none of these allegations have yet been proven in court.
While Miller staunchly denies the allegations related to both the criminal case and the class-action lawsuit, his legal representation, Karim Renno, has come staunchly to his defense. "Mr. Miller's position is clear: He has never had sexual relations with anyone under the age of 18. This has been confirmed by previous investigations where the police concluded their inquiries without finding any substantiations of wrongdoing back in 2009," Renno asserted.
At the time of those earlier investigations, allegations made against Miller by individuals were also dismissed as unfounded by the Crown. Yet, following the revelations of the 2023 media report, authorities reopened the case.
Renno is poised to argue against the appropriateness of the class-action framework for sexual assault cases, referencing prior cases like one involving Gilbert Rozon, the founder of the Just For Laughs festival, where similar accusations led to the dismissal of class-action status by the Court of Appeal.
He also criticized the anonymity granted to the plaintiffs, emphasizing equity and due process for Miller by insisting, "It’s frankly unfair to my client not knowing who is accusing him. The anonymity of accusers can hinder the drive for justice." Orenstein, representing the plaintiffs, countered this approach, explaining, "Anonymity is often necessary to allow victims the space to seek justice without the fear of retribution. This is primarily why class actions for sexual abuse cases are structured the way they are." He added, "This setup is meant to provide victims with the necessary safety and protection to seek redress."
Justice Catherine Piché is presiding over the hearing, which is expected to continue over several days. After the hearings conclude, she will decide whether to authorize the class-action lawsuit to move forward.
Health complications complicate the significance of these proceedings for Miller, who is said to be suffering from advanced Parkinson's disease. His attorney expressed hope for his survival just long enough to defend himself adequately, highlighting the uncertainty around his health and legal fate. Nevertheless, Orenstein asserted there would still be avenues for seeking justice, stating, "Even if Mr. Miller passes on before this case concludes, we are prepared to pursue his estate."
This process is just beginning, and the outcome could yield significant impacts on the lives of many alleged victims seeking justice and closure.
