Former comedy mogul Gilbert Rozon, targeted by civil proceedings brought individually by nine alleged victims, will be tried in a single trial, which is due to begin next December.
Judge Frédéric Pérodeau, of the Superior Court of Quebec, granted a request for joinder of the prosecution on Tuesday. This therefore means that Lyne Charlebois, Annick Charette, Patricia Tulasne, Anne-Marie Charette, Sophie Moreau, Danie Frenette, Guylaine Courcelles, Marylena Sicari and Martine Roy will be heard in one and the same trial.
The nine related cases will thus be judged on the same evidence. The trial is therefore set for 43 hearing days between December 9, 2024 and March 27, 2025. Had it not been for the joining of proceedings, the parties estimated that more than 100 hearing days would have been necessary to hear the nine trial.
“Important proof of similar facts will be made in these files,” said Mr.e Anne-Julie Asselin, one of the lawyers for the nine plaintiffs. With a single trial, not only do we prevent victims from having to relive the trauma beyond what is necessary, but it is also a considerable saving of resources for all parties, starting with the judicial system. himself. » In doing so, all parties benefit, according to her, from Judge Pérodeau’s decision.
The Press reported last January that the dates of six of the nine civil trials were known. The one brought by director Lyne Charlebois was to get the ball rolling next December and the latest trial announced was to end in June 2025.
Even if the Court ruled in favor of the complainants, Gilbert Rozon does not risk any prison sentence, since these are not criminal trials. However, he would have to compensate the victims if the judges rejected his defense and declared him responsible for the damages suffered by the plaintiffs. In total, the nine alleged victims are seeking nearly $14 million.
The Press was unable to reach the attorney representing Gilbert Rozon on Tuesday.
With information from Jean Siag and Louis-Samuel Perron, The Press