Former Quebec premier continues testimony in Gilbert Rozon's civil sex assault trial
Just for Laughs founder Gilbert Rozon is photographed at the Montreal courthouse during a break in his civil trial for sexual assault on Monday, June 2, 2025. (The Canadian Press/Christinne Muschi)
Former Quebec premier Pierre-Marc Johnson was back on the witness stand Wednesday to continue his testimony under cross-examination in the civil sexual assault trial against Just for Laughs founder Gilbert Rozon, Noovo Info reports.
Tuesday, Johnson said he was surprised by the allegations against Rozon, though he explained the next day that he was 'not surprised' at the same time.
'I was surprised that there was violence,' Johnson clarified. 'I was surprised that he was accused of assault, but I wasn't surprised given that he was rich, popular and a womanizer.'
The cross-examination also revolved around an accusation of sexual assault dating back to February 1998, to which Rozon had pleaded guilty.
'The accused, Gilbert Rozon, pleaded guilty to having committed acts of a sexual nature towards the victim mentioned in the complaint; he admitted having, under the influence of alcohol, made gestures of a sexual nature towards the victim by touching her breasts when the victim did not want the accused to make such gestures towards her,' reads the judgment from December 1998.
Gilbert Rozon was granted a conditional discharge.
Johnson confirmed he was present on the evening of Feb. 17, 1998, and saw Rozon bring the 19-year-old girl to his room.
He said that at the time, he thought it was for 'consensual sex.'
Johnson also told the court that he had previously considered the possibility that allegations could come forward against Rozon.
'In 2017, during the #MeToo movement, I said to myself that if this were to happen in Quebec, Gilbert [Rozon] could be the target,' he explained.
Johnson claims Rozon gave him reassurances the day before and in the days following publication of the allegations of sexual assault in the media.
'He denied it and said he immediately anticipated a disaster,' he said. 'The nature of the allegations was clear. He denied them, so I didn't dwell on it.'
The former premier said he also advised Rozon to strongly deny the accusations.
Rozon played a video game on his iPad while Johnson testified.
For his part, Johnson banged his fist on the table several times as he spoke.
Tuesday, author and screenwriter Guy Fournier also testified that he was 'surprised' by the allegations against Rozon.
Actor and director Serge Postigo is scheduled to testify on Wednesday.
Rozon to take the stand again
Rozon testified briefly on Monday and is expected to take the witness stand again on Thursday.
The court is expected to hear his version of the facts regarding the allegations of sexual assault.
The main purpose of Rozon's initial testimony was to give an overview of his life from childhood to the creation of Just for Laughs.
Rozon's civil trial began in early December 2024, with nine plaintiffs claiming $14 million for sexual assault and rape, among others.
The nine alleged victims - Lyne Charlebois, Guylaine Courcelles, Patricia Tulasne, Danie Frenette, Anne-Marie Charette, Annick Charette, Sophie Moreau, Marylena Sicari and Martine Roy - all testified over the last six months.
Other witnesses were also called during the trial, including well-known personalities like Julie Snyder, Salomé Corbo and Pénélope McQuade.
Rozon's former partner, Véronique Moreau, also spoke.
They all testified to alleged abuse at his hands.
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