Charges dropped against Quebec theatre owner and ‘Dragons’ Den’ star Vincenzo Guzzo

MONTREAL – Quebec’s prosecution service says it has abandoned criminal charges against Vincenzo Guzzo, CEO of a large independent movie theatre chain and investor on CBC Television’s “Dragons’ Den.”

Service spokeswoman Patricia Johnson says new evidence has led prosecutors to doubt whether there is a reasonable chance of conviction.

Guzzo, the CEO of movie theatre chain Cinemas Guzzo, had been charged with criminal harassment and breach of condition.

In a written statement, Guzzo thanked those who supported him, especially his five children, through what he described as a “difficult period.”

He says the complaint that led to his arrest took place in the context of a family dispute.

Following his June arrest, Guzzo had said the matter was related to himself, his wife and their lawyers.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 4, 2023.

Note to readers: This is a corrected story. A previous version misspelled “Dragons’ Den.”