Another woman testified against Just for Laughs founder as civil trial continues

The civil lawsuit against Gilbert Rozon, founder of Just for Laughs, continued Monday as nine women seek damages, alleging sexual assault by Rozon.

Emotions ran high in court as Mary Sicari, who worked for Just for Laughs from 1988 to 2004, testified about enduring sexual harassment and unwanted touching throughout her career.

Sicari described the humiliation she faced, expressing a mix of anger and emotions, even crying on the stand.

She said Rozon would regularly attempt to grab her breasts or rub himself against her.

Sicari decided to go to the police in 2017 after she said a stranger molested her in a restaurant. She testified that the incident triggered the trauma she went through while working at Just for Laughs.

Under cross-examination, Rozon's lawyer questioned her about using foul language and sexually provocative gestures in front of other employees, to which she Sicari denounced the line of questioning.

She told the court that Just for Laughs regularly held “white nights” parties where prostitutes, cocaine, and ecstasy were provided to VIP guests.

Rozon’s lawyer continued to attack Sicari’s character, by raising issues regarding her relationships with men and her mental health.

Sicari is part of a group of women suing Rozon for damages resulting in years of what they claim was sexual abuse.

Among them is well-known Quebec television host Julie Snyder, who is expected to testify on Thursday.