Just for Laughs president Gilbert Rozon steps down amid allegations

Gilbert Rozon (Photo by Michael Ignatieff – Montréal, CC BY 2.0)

MONTREAL — Gilbert Rozon, a giant in the Quebec entertainment industry, is stepping down from various positions amid what he calls “allegations involving him.”

Rozon said on his Facebook page Wednesday he is no longer president of the Just For Laughs comedy festival, vice-president of the Montreal Chamber of Commerce or involved with the city’s 375th anniversary celebrations.

Rozon said he is “shaken” by the allegations against him.

“I am stepping aside out of respect for the employees and families who work for these organizations as well as all our partners,” he said.

A spokesperson for Rozon confirmed the authenticity of the Facebook comments.

The comments came a few hours after Quebec artist Guillaume Wagner spoke out on his Facebook page about allegations of sexual misconduct involving Eric Salvail, a well-known media personality in the province.

Wagner wrote: “Now let’s talk about the next one. Gilbert Rozon.”

Wagner said he would no longer work for Just For Laughs “as long as someone who assaults is in charge.”

Rozon did not elaborate on the allegations against him in his Facebook post.