The article was originally authored by The Canadian Press staff and published on December 10, 2024.
The civil trial involving Gilbert Rozon, the ex-founder of the renowned comedy festival Just for Laughs, is currently underway. On Tuesday, a second individual accusing him of sexual assault took the stand.
The accuser, Guylaine Courcelles, alleges that in 1987, Rozon sexually assaulted her in his Outremont, Montreal suburb home. At the time, she was 22 and Rozon was in his 30s.
Courcelles stated that she was scheduled to meet Rozon to discuss potential long-term employment opportunities at his entertainment company, Just for Laughs. However, instead of a professional meeting, Rozon proposed they have drinks at a bar, which later led to Courcelles being brought back to his luxurious residence.
Despite initial hesitations, Courcelles agreed to stay overnight in a guest room after a night filled with drinks and food. The evening took a distressing turn when Rozon unexpectedly entered the room, climbed into bed with her, and allegedly performed non-consensual sexual acts.
Courcelles is now seeking $1.9 million in damages. Her case forms part of a larger legal proceeding, a civil lawsuit amounting to nearly $14 million, filed by nine women individually against the Quebec-based entertainment mogul.
Presiding over the case is Quebec Superior Court Justice Chantal Tremblay. The trial, which commenced on Monday, will hear testimonies from a total of 77 witnesses over a period of 43 days, concluding at the end of March.
The allegations against Rozon are serious, and we will continue to provide updates on this matter.
© 2024 The Canadian Press
