Fallen press baron Conrad Black last night predicted he would be completely vindicated of US criminal fraud charges.
"Absolute nonsense. There's no truth or substance whatsoever to these charges," Mr Black told reporters in Toronto after a brief appearance at a book launch party.
"Look, I understand it's a good news story, but this has been one massive smear job from A to Z and it will have a surprise ending, a complete vindication of the defendants and an exposure of their persecutors."
US prosecutors announced criminal fraud charges against Mr Black earlier this month, accusing the former Hollinger International chief executive of looting the Chicago Sun-Timespublisher of millions and misusing company perks.
Mr Black had denied the charges through his Canadian lawyer, but his comments on Thursday were his first in public.
The Canadian-born British citizen and member of the House of Lords was set to be indicted in Chicago on November 22nd, but the hearing was rescheduled for November 30th.
Mr Black faces up to 40 years in prison if found guilty.