Conrad Black contributes to Drabinsky defence fund

Newspaper mogul Conrad Black is helping bankroll Garth Drabinsky's criminal defence fund.

Drabinsky, the deposed head of troubled theatre producer Livent, has been charged in the United States with defrauding the company.

He's also facing a massive civil suit filed by Livent management.

Black says he believes Drabinsky did not commit a crime and should not face a potential jail term.

Drabinsky denies any wrongdoing and is countersuing Livent.

Black declines to reveal how much he's giving the Drabinsky defence fund, beyond saying that it's not a large amount.

Conrad Black remains a member of Livent's board of directors.