End of a long civil trial against Juste pour rire founder
After more than 60 days of hearings spread over nearly 10 months, the civil trial for alleged sexual assault and rape by Juste pour rire founder Gilbert Rozon has concluded in Montreal. Nine plaintiffs left the courthouse feeling emotional, happy and satisfied with the outcome of a process that has dominated the public conversation for months.
One of the nine plaintiffs, an actress identified in reports as Patricia Tulasne, told reporters as she exited the courtroom: ‘We are very moved, very happy that it’s finished. It’s ten months of our lives that have passed around this trial. I am especially proud to have weathered it; I think we bear well our name of Courageous, because ç’a été très difficile à bien des égards.’
Tulasne also spoke about the strain of having intimate details aired publicly, acknowledging moments of doubt about pursuing the case but stressing that she does not regret it. ‘I urge all victims of sexual violence to come forward, it’s very important. The more of us who do it, the more justice will evolve.’
Three other plaintiffs—Danie Frenette, Anne-Marie Charette and Martine Roy—left the courthouse together and echoed a similar resolve: ‘We do not regret anything, you have to report.’
Their lead counsel, Me Bruce Johnston, addressed the media for the first time since the proceedings began. ‘Our clients are very happy that the trial is over. They have the sense they did the work. They were listened to with empathy and kindness. The Superior Court devoted significant resources to this file because the topic is important for society. We are very satisfied with the evidence that has been presented, and the file now belongs to the judge.’
Me Mélanie Morin and Me Pascal-Alexandre Pelletier, who represented Rozon, said they were satisfied with how the defense unfolded, noting that whatever the result, ‘it will advance the law in Quebec on these issues’ and that the process is now in the hands of the judiciary.
What the judge and the next steps look like
Judge Chantal Tremblay, who has presided over the case since December, thanked both sides for the ‘serenity’ of the debates, even in tense moments. She described the trial as long, demanding and complex and acknowledged the willingness of the parties to have their private lives exposed in the course of the proceedings.
Tremblay has six months to render a decision and plans to use that period to re-examine the extensive evidence. In her ruling, she will be tasked with reconciling competing narratives: choosing the version she finds most plausible between the plaintiffs’ accounts and Rozon’s testimony. More than credibility, she will assess the reliability of testimonies and address challenges to the statute of limitations and issues related to myths and stereotypes surrounding sexual violence.
The nine plaintiffs seek about 14 million in damages for acts alleged to have occurred between 1980 and 2004, plus punitive and compensatory damages. The resolution will not only shape the futures of those involved but could also influence how civil actions against high-profile figures are handled in Quebec.
Broader implications for accountability and victims’ voices
Beyond the specifics of this case, observers say the proceedings highlight the ongoing tension between accountability and privacy in civil actions related to sexual violence. Advocates argue that the decision will have ramifications for how survivors are supported and how vigorously the justice system pursues allegations of assault and rape in a public venue.
As the judge prepares her ruling, the broader societal message from the courtroom is clear: victims who come forward are driving changes in the law and in public discourse, even as the process remains arduous and exacting for all involved.
