The normally composed proceedings of a Montreal courtroom dissolved into chaos yesterday as Just For Laughs founder Gilbert Rozon lost his composure during cross-examination in his ongoing sexual assault civil trial, marking a dramatic turning point in a case that has captured national attention.
Rozon, visibly agitated after hours of intensive questioning about allegations dating back decades, suddenly slammed his hand on the witness stand and shouted at the plaintiff’s attorney, “You’ve been twisting my words for two days now! Enough!” The outburst prompted an immediate recess called by Justice Stéphane Sansfaçon, who later admonished all parties to maintain decorum despite the emotionally charged nature of the proceedings.
The 69-year-old entertainment mogul faces allegations from five women seeking $1.3 million in damages for incidents they claim occurred between 1980 and 2016. The plaintiffs, part of a collective action permitted under Quebec’s civil code, have provided detailed testimony describing unwanted advances, inappropriate touching, and alleged sexual assaults.
“What we’re witnessing is the culmination of years of trauma finally being addressed in a public forum,” said legal analyst Marie Beauchamp, who has been monitoring the trial since it began. “The emotional intensity demonstrates just how significant this case is, not just for the parties involved, but for how our justice system handles historical sexual assault allegations.”
The civil action follows Rozon’s 2020 criminal trial, where he was acquitted of rape and indecent assault charges dating back to 1980. That verdict sparked protests outside the courthouse and renewed debate about the challenges of prosecuting decades-old sexual assault cases in criminal court, where the standard of proof is beyond reasonable doubt.
Quebec’s civil proceedings operate under a different evidentiary threshold—the balance of probabilities—giving plaintiffs another avenue to seek justice. Legal experts note this difference has made civil courts increasingly important venues for sexual assault survivors.
“Civil trials allow victims to tell their stories and potentially receive compensation even when criminal convictions aren’t secured,” explained Johanne Trudel, a victims’ rights advocate not connected to the case. “What’s notable about the Rozon case is how it demonstrates that powerful figures who may have evaded criminal consequences can still face significant accountability.”
The trial has also spotlighted the CO24 News coverage of the #MeToo movement in Canada’s entertainment industry, with witnesses testifying about a culture of silence that allegedly protected Rozon despite persistent rumors about his behavior. Several former colleagues have appeared as witnesses, describing an environment where women were warned informally about avoiding situations alone with the executive.
Court documents filed with the Canada News circuit reveal that Rozon has consistently denied all allegations, maintaining that any sexual encounters were consensual. His defense team has questioned why accusations surfaced only after the #MeToo movement gained momentum, suggesting the timing undermines credibility.
The financial implications for Rozon extend beyond the $1.3 million sought by plaintiffs. Industry analysts following CO24 Business reporting note that the litigation has already impacted his business interests, with several partnerships and ventures terminated since allegations first surfaced in 2017, when Rozon stepped down from his position at the comedy festival he founded.
“The economic consequences of these types of allegations can be immediate and severe, regardless of legal outcomes,” said corporate governance specialist Philippe Marchand. “Companies increasingly recognize that association with figures facing serious allegations represents an unacceptable business risk.”
The trial is expected to continue for another week, with mental health professionals scheduled to testify about trauma responses and memory reliability in sexual assault cases. Legal observers suggest the case could establish important precedents for how similar civil actions are handled in Quebec courts.
As we witness this landmark case unfold in our justice system, one question remains at the forefront: Will the civil courts ultimately provide the accountability and closure that many sexual assault survivors seek when the criminal justice system has not?
