A Quebec Superior Court judge has ruled that Gilbert Rozon, the founder of Just For Laughs, must pay slightly over $880,000 to eight out of the nine women who accused him of sexual assault and misconduct during a civil trial. The total damages sought by the women were just under $14 million. The trial featured testimony from Patricia Tulasne, Lyne Charlebois, Anne-Marie Charette, Annick Charette, Sophie Moreau, Danie Frenette, Guylaine Courcelles, Mary Sicari, and Martine Roy, recounting experiences from 1980 to 1994.
Judge Chantal Tremblay delivered a nearly 600-page decision on Tuesday, stating that all but one plaintiff had sufficiently proven their cases of sexual assault by Rozon. Tremblay emphasized that the victims had demonstrated the harm they suffered at the hands of Rozon, except for one case that was rejected. The judge also dismissed four defamation lawsuits filed by Rozon, noting his lack of acknowledgment of harm caused to the plaintiffs or any display of remorse.
Throughout the proceedings, numerous witnesses, including seven other women alleging sexual abuse by Rozon, testified against him. Despite Rozon’s denial of the allegations, the law firm representing the plaintiffs, Trudel Johnston and Lespérance, hailed the court’s decision as a victory for the justice system’s response to sexual violence.
During a news conference following the ruling, the women expressed their relief and gratitude, highlighting the significance of the decision not only for them but for all victims of sexual assault. They commended the courage of those who spoke out and emphasized the importance of seeking justice and standing together against abuse.
Judge Tremblay criticized Rozon for abusing his power to exploit and assault his victims, using his position to manipulate and trap them in vulnerable situations. She rebuked his attempts to perpetuate myths and stereotypes about sexual assault victims during the trial, emphasizing that such narratives have no place in a fair legal system.
The civil trial, initiated in December 2024, marked a pivotal moment in a legal battle that evolved from a class-action lawsuit into individual suits. Rozon resigned as president of Just For Laughs in 2017 following public accusations of misconduct. The legal battle continued with formal complaints to Montreal police and subsequent criminal charges against Rozon, which led to the current civil suits seeking justice for his victims.
Despite the compensation awarded to the plaintiffs, they stressed that civil justice cannot replace criminal law in cases of sexual assault, calling for greater support for victims within the criminal justice system. Rozon’s legal team indicated they would review the judgments carefully before deciding on any potential appeals.