High drama has made its grand entrance in Quebec. Self-made multi billionaire and famous poker player Guy Laliberte is reportedly being sued for spousal support by an anonymous woman. She is asking for a lump sum of $50 million and $56 thousand per month.

Initial reports seemed to indicate the woman was one of Laliberte’s former ex-girlfriends and mother of their two children, Claudia Barilla. More current information, however, points to the better possibility of another ex-girlfriend, Rizia Moreira. Laliberte and Moreira have three children together.

Guy Laliberte, a Quebec City native, impressively rose from humble beginnings as a street musician and small-time circus performer to the creator of the wildly successful Cirque du Soleil. He currently owns 95% interest in the 1.5 billion dollar company.

Laliberte is also a well-known high stakes poker player. He has established himself as a prominent player, and his wins and losses involve tens of millions of dollars. He has played in the World Poker Tour, GSN’s High Stakes Poker, and Poker After Dark to name a few.

Rizia Moreira with Herbert Black
Rizia Moreira photo

Rizia Moreira, a former Brazilian model, met Laliberte in 1992 when she was 17 years old. They were together for ten years and lived together for several years during that time, but they did not get legally married. During that time they had three children together.

Quebec’s Superior Court is now hearing the precedent setting case. The current law supports the needs of children of common law relationships, but the law does not protect the needs of a common law spouse, regardless of the length of the relationship. Laliberte is currently paying child support of $36 thousand a month along with other expenses such as school tuition. The couple shares custody of their three children.

It is fitting that the creator of an entertainment empire is involved in such a histrionic case. Reportedly, Moreira’s former lover Herbert Black is financing Moreira’s legal battle. To add further intrigue, the litigant in the case is being referred to as “Lola”, since the case is currently under a gag order.