Several women seek class-action suit against Just For Laughs co-founder Rozon

Several Quebec women are seeking permission to file a class-action lawsuit against Just For Laughs co-founder Gilbert Rozon for alleged sexual assault.

The women, who have created a group called "Les Courageuses" ("The Courageous Ones"), issued a statement this evening through one of the two legal firms representing them.

They say they hope their action inspires other victims of sexual assault to come forward, in Quebec and elsewhere.

In their statement, they allege Rozon abused at least 20 women between 1982 and 2016, but they also believe that number is "just the tip of the iceberg."

Rozon, 63, stepped down as president of Just For Laughs last month following allegations from at least 10 women that he either sexually harassed or sexually assaulted them.

Just For Laughs has mandated RBC Capital Markets to look into the various possible options surrounding the sale of Rozon's stake, a process that is ongoing. The Just For Laughs Group has said it intends to continue as normal with its projects.