Bota Bota Demands $800,000 from Luc Poirier in Dispute
The owners of the popular spa Bota Bota, located in Montreal, have initiated a civil lawsuit against businessman Luc Poirier. They claim that he wrongfully attributes the conception of their family project to himself and seek $800,000 in damages for harm to their reputation and integrity.
Bota Bota Lawsuit Against Luc Poirier
The dispute centers around statements made by Poirier in the second episode of the series “Luc le milliardaire?” which airs on Crave. In the episode, he presents himself as the initiator and designer of Bota Bota, asserting that he approached the Old Port of Montreal and invited the Emond family to join the project merely as operators.
Claims of Misrepresentation
Poirier purported that he was an equal partner with the Emond family until he withdrew once the project reached completion. The Emond family, represented by Daniel and Geneviève Emond, argues that these assertions are entirely false and mislead the public about their genuine contributions.
- The Emonds approached Poirier in 2008 to present their urban spa project.
- Poirier allegedly showed Daniel Emond a former showboat, which inspired the idea for Bota Bota.
- Daniel Emond ultimately purchased the vessel from its rightful owner.
According to the lawsuit, Poirier only arranged an informal meeting with a former Old Port employee and did not play a significant role in the project development. The Emond family claims they structured the project, hired architects, secured necessary permits, funded, and directed the construction.
Details of Shareholder Agreement
A proposed shareholder agreement indicated that Poirier would invest 40% in the business. However, this agreement was never signed due to differences in vision and Poirier’s involvement in the reality show “Occupation double.” The lawsuit states that Poirier made no financial contributions and never held ownership stakes in Bota Bota.
Impact on Reputation
Soon after the series aired, the Emond family experienced an influx of inquiries regarding their role in the spa’s creation, causing concern about their public perception. They argue that Poirier’s claims position them inaccurately as imposters, damaging their personal reputation and honor.
- The couple sought to have Poirier retract his statements.
- After Poirier’s refusal, the Emonds decided to pursue legal action.
As of the latest updates, Poirier had not responded to requests for comment regarding the lawsuit. The Emond family is steadfast in their pursuit of justice, hoping to rectify what they believe is a serious misrepresentation.
