The sexual assault civil trial of Just for Laughs founder Gilbert Rozon is at a standstill.
The 10 women suing him for damages following alleged sexual assaults wanted to use a new Quebec law that prevents Rozon from using stereotypes regarding women’s behaviours following the assaults in court. It would limit the questions that can be asked and the evidence that can be presented during the trial.
Rozon is challenging the constitutionality of that new law at the Quebec Court of Appeal.
At the heart of the debate is the ruling that says some evidence is not admissible, says Rozon’s lawyer. But to avoid a lengthy delay, the plaintiffs decided to drop the matter, and won’t use the new law to limit cross-examination.
Rozon’s team is pushing ahead anyway.
Outside the court of appeal, Rozon denied he was trying to delay the trial.
This case has been going on for eight years, he says, “it’s not in my interest to drag it any longer.”
