Just for Laughs's Gilbert Rozon says rumours of sexual misconduct cost company $30M
Just for Laughs founder Gilbert Rozon is seen at the courthouse during a break in his civil trial in Montreal on Monday, June 2, 2025. (Christinne Muschi/The Canadian Press)
Just for Laughs founder Gilbert Rozon says rumours of sexual misconduct allegations against him cost the company $30 million in a matter of hours.
Rozon says governments froze subsidies and sponsors followed suit in the hours before the allegations were made public in Quebec media in 2017.
He says the effects of the allegations caused 'carnage' around him, adding that his sons and several colleagues fell into depression.
Rozon stepped down from Just for Laughs after the investigation was published, and the company was eventually sold.
The disgraced former comedy mogul testified for the third day at his civil trial, in which he is being sued by nine women for a total of nearly $14 million in damages over alleged sexual abuse.
Rozon maintains he had consensual relations with three of the women, and he has denied the other allegations against him.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 25, 2025.
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