Judge authorizes class action against former impresario Gilbert Rozon

They created a group called “Les Courageuses” (“The Courageous Ones”) and alleged Rozon abused at least 20 women between 1982 and 2016. (Photo by Michael Ignatieff – Montréal, CC BY 2.0)

MONTREAL — Quebec Superior Court has authorized a class-action lawsuit against former Just For Laughs head Gilbert Rozon.

Several women sought permission last fall to file the suit against the co-founder of the popular comedy festival for alleged sexual assault and harassment.

They created a group called “Les Courageuses” (“The Courageous Ones”) and alleged Rozon abused at least 20 women between 1982 and 2016.

The women are seeking $10 million in damages.

Rozon had fought the legal action and was unsuccessful in a separate motion in having the words “rape” and “sexual predator” removed from the women’s court filing.

Justice Donald Bisson ruled in their favour in a judgment issued today, saying they have the right to have their case heard on the merits.