Dozens of women plan class action lawsuit against Toronto club promoter, several nightlife companies | CBC News

"Over the span of nearly two decades, numerous women have reported being sexually assaulted, drugged, or otherwise harmed by Mark Holland who was employed as a promoter at venues owned or operated by the Respondent companies, reads the draft lawsuit. These incidents followed a consistent pattern: victims were often approached in VIP areas or at after-parties, supplied with alcohol or drugs, and then assaulted in secluded areas of the establishments or affiliated residences."

"companies it alleges knowingly allowed convicted sex offender Mark Holland to work at their venues despite the risk they say he posed to vulnerable women. A draft of EVE's class action lawsuit seen by CBC News specifically names Holland as well as Honeycomb Hospitality, Lobby, INK Entertainment and Uniq Hospitality. The suit alleges the companies worked with Holland despite knowledge or constructive knowledge of his past misconduct, said the draft lawsuit."

"But the proposed lawsuit could be dropped if companies named in it publicly apologize, take accountability and sign an agreement with EVE by Dec. 1, the organization's founder, Cait Alexander, said at a news conference Monday. So many of us have been awake for decades to the abuses perpetrated by a significant share of promoters, club owners and nightlife operators in Toronto, she said."

Dozens of women have come forward alleging negligence by major Toronto nightlife companies connected to decades of abuse by club promoter Mark Holland. End Violence Everywhere (EVE) has proposed a class action naming Holland and hospitality groups including Honeycomb Hospitality, Lobby, INK Entertainment and Uniq Hospitality. The lawsuit alleges the companies knowingly allowed a convicted sex offender to work at venues despite risks and constructive knowledge of his misconduct. Reported incidents allegedly followed a pattern: victims approached in VIP areas or after-parties, supplied alcohol or drugs, then assaulted in secluded areas or affiliated residences. EVE says the suit can be withdrawn if companies apologize and sign an agreement by Dec. 1.

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