CFL chairman Jim Lawson, Canada’s richest woman settle lawsuits

CFL chairman Jim Lawson and Canada’s richest woman Sherry Brydson have settled out of court.

Lawson sued Brydson, the heiress to the Thomson fortune and worth an estimated $6 billion, for wrongful dismissal and $24million after she fired him as the director of an investment company controlled by the family. She countersued alleging “serial misconduct, serial dishonesty and self-dealing.”

Lawson, who served as the chair of the CFL’s board of governors since 2013 and has filled the role as interim commissioner twice, was also accused of distributing porn in the workplace.

But with the case set to go to trial this week, Lawson and Brydson came to an undisclosed settlement that included an apology from Lawson.

“Mr. Lawson has apologized unreservedly to Ms. Brydson for the circumstances that led to his departure from Westerkirk,” stated a release sent out Monday. “Mr. Lawson has also unequivocally withdrawn all prior allegations made by him involving Ms. Brydson, her family, employees and advisors in the legal proceedings and otherwise.”

None of the allegations made by either party have been proved in court.