A proposed class action lawsuit claims that the entertainment district in Toronto is unsafe for young women, highlighting the role of several companies operating prominent nightclubs in the area as part of the problem. This lawsuit is fueled by the recent actions of Mark Holland, a Toronto club promoter who was convicted of sexual assault in 2022 after charges were brought against him in 2017. Despite his conviction, Holland is now facing three additional counts of sexual assault following incidents that occurred in July, while he continues to operate in Toronto's nightclub scene.
The fresh charges against Holland have prompted an emotional press conference from women who have experienced sexual violence in the city's club district. One survivor, identified only by her initials M.H., expressed her heartbreak over the situation, saying, "I am sad and heartbroken to see Mark Holland is still out there hurting more women and still has people enabling his disgusting behaviour." She mentioned her personal journey of transformation after experiencing violence, but also raised a poignant question regarding the justice system: "How many more women need to get hurt for our justice system to change?"
A group of women is looking to initiate a class action lawsuit against some of Toronto's leading club operators, alleging that these companies have continued to conduct business with known offenders, thereby putting vulnerable women at risk. Kathryn Marshall, a lawyer with Marshall Law, is assisting in the efforts to assemble the lawsuit. Marshall criticized the apparent lack of accountability in an industry that is heavily regulated and insured yet permits the employment of convicted sex offenders, stating, "This is the breeding ground for assault."
Marshall called for greater accountability from the nightclub industry, adding that she is eager to see how the companies will respond to the class action lawsuit, questioning who will take ownership and what steps the government will take to address these issues. Another survivor, referred to as S.J., emphasized the need for systemic change. She stated, "We need change, we need a system that protects victims, not the men that hurt them. We need mandatory sentencing for repeat offenders. We need transparency around convictions, and we need trials that don’t drag on for years."
CityNews made attempts to contact Mark Holland's lawyer but received no response. While one of the companies expected to be involved in the lawsuit did not reply to a request for comment, another company claimed that Holland is not affiliated with its properties. Marshall pointed out that a significant part of the challenge lies in the fact that club promoters are seldom formal employees of the clubs; instead, they operate as freelance agents tasked with attracting patrons to venues.
The impending lawsuit aims not only for financial damages but also for increased oversight in the nightclub industry to better protect patrons, especially women who may be at risk. The situation has sparked a larger conversation about accountability, safety, and the need for reforms within the club industry and judicial system.
