In a dramatic courtroom scene yesterday, Gilbert Rozon, the man behind Montreal’s internationally acclaimed Just for Laughs comedy festival, delivered an emotional impact statement claiming his life has been “completely destroyed” by sexual assault allegations against him.
The 70-year-old comedy mogul, who built Just for Laughs from a small local event into a global comedy powerhouse, appeared visibly shaken as he addressed the court. Rozon has maintained his innocence throughout legal proceedings that have stretched over several years, creating deep divisions within Montreal’s entertainment community.
“Everything I built over decades – my reputation, my company, my relationships – has been taken from me,” Rozon said, his voice cracking with emotion. “I wake up every morning to the reality that people see me as something I am not.”
The allegations first surfaced during the height of the #MeToo movement, when several women came forward with accusations spanning decades. The resulting scandal forced Rozon to sell his majority stake in the festival in 2018, ending his 35-year leadership of what many consider Montreal’s most successful cultural export.
Patricia Tulasne, spokesperson for Les Courageuses, a group of women who have accused Rozon of misconduct, responded to his statement. “His words today demonstrate he still doesn’t understand the gravity of his actions or their impact on survivors,” she told reporters outside the courthouse.
Legal experts following the case note its complexity. “Sexual assault cases from decades ago present unique challenges for both prosecution and defense,” explains Martine Dubois, a criminal defense attorney not involved in the case. “Evidence degrades, memories change, and societal understanding of consent has evolved dramatically.”
The festival itself has worked to distance itself from its founder. Current CEO Charles Décarie told LCN.today last month that Just for Laughs has implemented comprehensive harassment policies and is focused on creating “a safe, respectful environment for all performers, staff and attendees.”
The comedy festival, which draws over two million visitors annually and showcases hundreds of comedians each summer, has maintained its prominence despite the controversy. This year’s event begins next week with headliners including Sarah Silverman and John Mulaney.
For many Montrealers, the case represents a painful chapter in the city’s cultural history. I’ve covered Just for Laughs for nearly fifteen years, watching it transform our summer landscape with laughter and joy. The allegations have forced our community to confront difficult questions about power, accountability, and how we protect vulnerable people in creative industries.
According to Statistics Canada, sexual assault remains one of the most underreported crimes, with only about 5% of incidents being reported to police. Advocates say high-profile cases like this one demonstrate why many survivors hesitate to come forward, particularly when accusations involve powerful figures.
The court is expected to issue its ruling next month. Whatever the outcome, the case has permanently altered Montreal’s comedy landscape and sparked important conversations about misconduct in the entertainment industry.
As I walked from the courthouse yesterday afternoon, I passed the familiar Just for Laughs mascot painted on a Saint-Catherine Street building – a green monster with his tongue sticking out. For decades it represented pure joy. Now, like many cultural symbols, it carries more complicated associations that reflect our evolving understanding of responsibility and accountability in the arts.
