Canucks owner denies abuse allegations heard in Vancouver family court
The owner of the Vancouver Canucks has responded to bombshell allegations that he abused his children, which were heard during a family court proceeding this week.
In a statement, a representative for Francesco Aquilini said the Canucks owner "categorically denies, and is outraged by" the allegations levelled against him at a child support hearing in downtown Vancouver Tuesday.
"Mr. Aquilini has met and will continue to meet any child support obligations required by the law, but he has concerns about the veracity of the information provided in support of financial demands," the statement said. "It is unfortunate that allegations without merit are brought forward for a collateral purpose."
The Canucks owner's ex-wife, Tali'ah Aquilini, has applied for continued child support for three of their adult children, who continue to live with her while in university.
"It’s really disappointing that I have to keep coming back to court in order to try to enforce Francesco’s obligation to pay child support for the children,” she told reporters outside B.C. Supreme Court on Tuesday.
Her lawyer, Claire E. Hunter, wrote in a statement to CTV News that Francesco Aquilini has had affidavits from her client and all four of their children for "many months."
"He has not given any evidence denying any of that affidavit evidence," Hunter wrote.
Tali’ah Aquilini is also asking that the judge allow her to redact information from receipts when she submits them, so her ex-husband cannot find out information about where the children are going to school.
The court heard claims that the children suffered abuse and that is why they don’t want their father to know which school they're attending.
The NHL released a statement Wednesday confirming the league is aware of the allegations and has been in touch with Aquilini and his lawyers.
"Clearly, the parties have been involved in a most contentious divorce," the league said. "We plan to continue to monitor the situation and, if necessary, will respond as we learn more as events unfold."
The Aquilinis divorced in 2013.
Georgialee Lang, a family lawyer who closely followed the couple’s divorce proceedings, said in cases where adult children are estranged from a parent, that parent can argue against making support payments.
"It doesn't mean that he automatically doesn't have the obligation to pay child support, but he has an argument to make to the court as to why he shouldn't,” Lang explained.
A judge will have to determine if their estrangement is legitimate and the abuse allegations are true, the lawyer said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Several flight attendants from Pakistan have gone missing after landing in Canada
Multiple flight attendants from Pakistan International Airlines have abandoned their jobs and are believed to have sought asylum in Canada in the past year and a half, a spokesperson for the government-owned airline says.
BREAKING Ottawa public school board, 3 Toronto-area school boards launch lawsuit against social media giants
The Ottawa-Carleton District School Board and three school boards in the Toronto-area have launched legal action against social media giants, accusing them of "disrupting students' fundamental right to education."
Doctors visiting a Gaza hospital are stunned by the war's toll on Palestinian children
An international team of doctors visiting a hospital in central Gaza was prepared for the worst. But the gruesome impact Israel’s war against Hamas is having on Palestinian children still left them stunned.
Crypt near Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner could fetch US$400,000 at auction
A one-space mausoleum crypt in the vicinity of Marilyn Monroe and Hugh Hefner will go on auction Saturday, when it is expected to reach between US$200,000 and $400,000.
Tipping is off the table at this Toronto restaurant
A Toronto restaurant introduced a surprising new rule that reduced the cost of a meal and raised the salaries of staff.
A fight to protect the dignity of Michelangelo's David raises questions about freedom of expression
Michelangelo's David has been a towering figure in Italian culture since its completion in 1504. But in the current era of the quick buck, curators worry the marble statue's religious and political significance is being diminished.
A Nigerian woman reviewed some tomato puree online. Now she faces jail
A Nigerian woman who wrote an online review of a can of tomato puree is facing imprisonment after its manufacturer accused her of making a “malicious allegation” that damaged its business.
Premiers not being truthful about carbon tax, Trudeau says while sparks fly in Ottawa
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Conservative premiers across the country are 'not telling the truth' when it comes to the carbon tax. Trudeau's comments came as fresh sparks were flying in Ottawa at a recalled House of Commons committee.
Far North police 'dispatch' polar bear stalking schoolyard
Police and local hunters in an Ontario Far North First Nation community have “dispatched” a polar that was showing abnormal behaviour and treating the area as a hunting ground.