A woman broke into tears on the witness stand Monday morning as she recounted an alleged sexual assault by Frank Stronach that she says occurred in a hotel suite more than three decades ago. The emotional testimony marked a pivotal moment in the ongoing trial of the 93-year-old Magna International founder, who faces a dozen charges involving seven complainants.
Fifth Complainant Details Alleged Encounter
The woman, who is the fifth complainant to testify in this high-profile case, described meeting Stronach through a mutual friend in the early 1980s. She told the court they reconnected approximately ten years later when they happened to cross paths unexpectedly.
Hotel Meeting Turns Traumatic
According to her testimony, the woman and Stronach arranged to meet for lunch at a hotel restaurant two days after their chance reunion. During their meal, she became emotional while discussing a recent breakup, which prompted Stronach to suggest they continue their conversation in his hotel suite.
Once inside the suite, the woman testified that Stronach embraced her and then pushed her backward until she was lying on a bed. She described him as transforming into a "different person" from the man she previously knew, saying he began attempting to remove her clothing despite her continued protests.
Allegations of Non-Consensual Acts
The woman stated through tears that she repeatedly cried and said "no" during the encounter, but felt unable to physically resist Stronach. She testified that he proceeded to penetrate her without protection and ejaculated, leaving her traumatized by the experience that she says has haunted her for over thirty years.
Legal Proceedings and Charges
Frank Stronach has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him, which include multiple counts of sexual assault. The allegations span several decades, with some incidents reportedly dating back to the 1970s. Prosecutors have outlined their intention to prove beyond reasonable doubt that the alleged assaults occurred, that the complainants did not consent, and that Stronach either knew they were not consenting or was willfully blind to that fact.
Pattern of Testimony Emerges
This testimony follows similar accounts from four previous complainants who have taken the stand during the trial. Each has described alleged encounters with Stronach that they say were non-consensual, creating what prosecutors argue is a pattern of behavior spanning multiple decades.
The trial continues to draw significant public attention as more witnesses are expected to testify in the coming weeks. The court proceedings are being closely monitored by both legal observers and the general public, given Stronach's prominence as a billionaire businessman and philanthropist.
