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Gilbert Rozon made the announcement on his
Facebook page on Wednesday night. He is the latest entertainment
executive to be accused of sexual harassment in the wake of
accusations against U.S. film producer Harvey Weinstein.
Weinstein has denied having non-consensual sex with anyone.
"Shaken by the allegations against me, I wish to take time to
reflect," Rozon wrote, adding he was "sincerely sorry" for "all
the women and men I may have offended in the course of my life."
The company confirmed Rozon's resignation and said an
independent board of directors will be put in place. Spokesman
Jean-David Pelletier declined to comment further.
Montreal newspaper 'Le Devoir' on Thursday reported allegations
by nine women who said they had been sexually harassed or abused
by Rozon.
Rozon announced his immediate resignation from 'Just for
Laughs', as well as his departure from the committee organizing
events to mark Montreal's 375th anniversary this year and his
role as vice president of the Montreal Board of Trade.
Held every summer in Montreal, 'Just for Laughs' is one of the
largest international comedy festivals and is a major tourist
attraction for the city.
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who has made gender
equality a significant part of the government's focus, said
society was "seeing a moment of awakening".
"It's unacceptable for anyone to feel insecure or harassed at
work, at home, in the streets and I think people are beginning
to get it," Trudeau told reporters in Montreal. "It doesn't
matter how much power you have, how much influence you have,
it's never all right."
Amazon Studios chief Roy Price also resigned earlier this week
following allegations he harassed a producer and took no action
when an actress told him she was sexually assaulted by
Weinstein.
(Reporting by Kevin Dougherty; written by Leah Schnurr; editing
by Clive McKeef)
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