By The Canadian Press

Woman tells Frank Stronach trial she became ‘social recluse’ after 1986 incident

Feb 25, 2026 | 2:00 AM

TORONTO — A woman is telling Frank Stronach’s sexual assault trial that she became a “social recluse” and lost her “zest for life” as a result of an incident in 1986.

The woman is the sixth of seven complainants expected to testify at the billionaire businessman’s trial in Toronto.

Tearing up on the stand this morning, she said the incident left her traumatized and depressed, and made it hard for her to open up to others.

Stronach, the founder of the auto parts conglomerate Magna International, has pleaded not guilty to 12 charges related to alleged incidents spanning from the 1970s to the 1990s.

Prosecutors allege he knew the complainants did not consent to sexual activity or was wilfully blind to that fact.

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On Tuesday, Stronach’s lawyer questioned the fifth complainant, a woman in her early 70s, about a number of details in her testimony that she had not previously told to police or prosecutors.

Leora Shemesh suggested the woman has a “tendency to lie” and would come up with “another story” if she testified long enough.

The woman said she was telling the truth and disclosing details as she remembered them.

None of the complainants can be identified under a standard publication ban.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Feb. 25, 2026.

Paola Loriggio, The Canadian Press