Defamation Defendants Respond to Toronto Star Report

TORONTO, Dec. 30, 2014 /CNW/ - In a November 26, 2014 article, "Toronto French School apologizes to ex-students", the Toronto Star quoted Omar Elgammal and Danial Velshi as making statements about the recent settlement of their defamation claims in the Ontario Superior Court of Justice against the Toronto French School, Lena Sarkissian, John Godfrey and Heidi Gollert.

As the individual defendants in that litigation, Ms. Sarkissian, Mr. Godfrey and Ms. Gollert wish to make clear that in making the settlement, Mr. Elgammal and Mr. Velshi agreed in writing that they would not disparage any of the defendants regarding any of the matters raised in their claims. Mr. Elgammal and Mr. Velshi also agreed in writing that none of the defendants admitted any misconduct in the events giving rise to the litigation.

It is unfortunate that Mr. Elgammal and Mr. Velshi made the comments published in the Star's article in these circumstances. We think the public should be aware of these facts.

SOURCE: Fasken Martineau DuMoulin LLP

Peter Downard, T. [phone], F. [phone], [email protected]