The Day in Court: Gilbert Rozon's Defense Takes the Stand
Friends testify in support of Gilbert Rozon during trial proceedings
There's been a heated showdown in court as Gilbert Rozon, the infamous humor mogul, faces a civil trial over sexual assault allegations brought forth by nine women. In the latest round, three close friends of Rozon - former Prime Minister Pierre Marc Johnson, author Guy Fournier, and artist agent François Flamand - took to the stand to vouch for their friend's character.
The courtroom was abuzz with praise for Rozon from the witnesses. Johnson, a prominent figure in Quebec politics, described Rozon as a "charismatic, courteous, polite, and respectable man, particularly towards women." Fournier, a journalist and producer, echoed similar sentiments, expressing sadness over the allegations against Rozon and praising his qualities as a boss.
The testimony of these friends, however, left little mention of the sexual assault claims that have rocked the entertainment industry. Instead, they focused on their admiration for Rozon, voicing their surprise at the allegations against their friend.
Johnson Attacks the #MeToo Movement
The trial took a contentious turn when Johnson launched an attack on the #MeToo movement. Johnson, now 78 years old, argued that he was not surprised to see Rozon's allegations framed within the movement, which he perceived as targeting those who have achieved success.
Johnson shared that he had played a strategic advisory role for Rozon and was a member of the Just For Laughs group's board of directors. He expressed a belief that sexual assault has become a media spectacle, regardless of the guilt or innocence of the accused individual.
Fournier also found himself in the line of fire when he was questioned about a column he penned in 2017 criticizing theJust for Laughs festival. During cross-examination, Fournier defended his column, stating that he was merely discussing changes in humor and the entertainment industry, rather than attacking Rozon.
Just Friends: The Defense Witnesses
François Flamand, another longtime friend of Rozon, testified earlier in the day. Flamand, a former trusted collaborator of Rozon, expressed surprise at the allegations against his friend, describing Rozon as "energetic," "intrepid," and "extremely creative." Spanning from working together at Just for Laughs to creating Flamand's own production company, Sortie 22, Flamand detailed his memories of Rozon with a sense of fondness and esteem.
As the trial enters its sixth day, the cross-examination of Pierre Marc Johnson and the testimony of actor Serge Postigo, another close friend of Rozon, are on the horizon. The proceedings are expected to continue as the court deliberates the allegations against Rozon and assesses the testimonies given by both the prosecution and defense witnesses.
Attack on the #MeToo movement
The lawyer and doctor, now 78 years old, lashed out at the wave of denunciations of sexual aggressors on social media, stating that he was not surprised to see that the allegations against Mr. Rozon “were framed within the #MeToo movement." A movement, in his opinion, “against people who have had success.”
"I said to myself: if there's anyone who has enough enemies and is charming enough to have something like this done to him, it's him,” added Mr. Johnson. "His success, and the fact that he didn't have a traditional life, he wasn't married, I saw him, for example, at the Platine with his mistress, that upset people."
The former prime minister continued his testimony by lamenting that "sexual assault has become a media affair, whether the person targeted is guilty or not."
Mr. Johnson played a strategic advisory role for Gilbert Rozon for several years and was a member of the board of directors of the Just For Laughs group. He considers him a friend.
Enrichment Data:
- The trial against Gilbert Rozon, the founder of the Just For Laughs festival, is currently underway, with testimony from Rozon's friends painting an extremely flattering portrait of the comedian[1].
- The trial began in December 2024, with the plaintiffs seeking $14 million in damages for alleged sexual assaults[1]. Numerous witnesses have testified, including some who support the allegations and others who express surprise over them[1].
- Recent news highlights include Pierre Marc Johnson, a former Quebec premier, taking the stand to express his support for Rozon. Johnson has played a strategic advisory role for Rozon and held a membership on the Just For Laughs group's board of directors[1].
- Guy Fournier, a journalist, author, and producer, also voiced his support for Rozon during his testimony[1]. Notably, Fournier defended a column he wrote in 2017 when questioned under cross-examination which criticized the Just For Laughs festival[1].
- The trial has heard from dozens of witnesses, including the nine women who have come forward with sexual assault allegations[1]. Rozon has begun giving his own testimony in the trial[2].
- The trial is expected to continue in the coming days, with witnesses such as actor Serge Postigo testifying[1].
Celebrities and their friends have taken to social media to express their support for Gilbert Rozon, a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, as he faces sexual assault allegations in a high-profile trial. Johnson, a former Prime Minister, used the trial to criticize the #MeToo movement, suggesting it's a tool to target those who have achieved success.
Despite the controversy, pop-culture and entertainment continue to dominate discussions on social media, with many followers expressing varied opinions on the trial and Johnson's attack on the #MeToo movement. The issue of justice in the context of sexual assault allegations against celebrities remains a touchy topic, fueling ongoing debates within the social-media sphere.
