Toronto's Smiling Buddha Reveals New Management Following Sexual Assault Controversy

The bar's co-owner has stepped down after recently being arrested and charged with sexual assault

BY Calum SlingerlandPublished Mar 21, 2018

Last week, Toronto concert promoters were attempting to relocate their upcoming shows away from venue Smiling Buddha after news that venue co-owner Lucan Wai had been arrested and charged with one count of sexual assault earlier this year. Now, the venue has announced a management change.

In a statement posted to Facebook yesterday (March 20), the venue's new general manager Cheyenne Robinson wrote that "as of today, Lucan Wai has stepped away from the Smiling Buddha and will be focusing his attention on defending the allegation against him. Effective immediately, he will cease his duties and will not be attending any shows at Smiling Buddha."

Robinson's statement, which you can read below, does not confirm whether or not Wai has stepped away from the business entirely. Earlier this month, Toronto Police confirmed to NOW that Wai was arrested and charged, though they did not comment on the precise details of the allegations.

Wai had previously shared the following statement with Exclaim!:

An attempt was made to extort monies from me and the Smiling Buddha. No monies were paid and a cease and desist letter was sent to the individual. Thereafter, the individual contacted police and I was charged. I am looking forward to clearing my name. Thank you.

The allegations against Wai have not been proven in court. The accuser has also not issued any comment.

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