Canadian Comedian Boycotting JFL

Canadian Comedian Boycotting JFL; Asks Comedy Powerhouse to Do More to Support Women Who Have Been Assaulted

Comedian D.J. Mausner has performed at the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal before, and was invited to perform again this year.  But she declined the paid performance at the prestigious festival this year, and told VICE reporter Celeste Yim that she was refusing to attend the festival and hopes other comedians will follow her lead.

Her boycott is connected to last year’s scandal involving former JFL director Gil Rozon who stepped down from his position this past year after a number of women accused him of sexual assault.

Mausner tied for first place in last year’s Homegrown Comedians challenge, a competition designed to give recognition to Canada’s most promising stand up voices, and that win would have earned her a spot in one of the tv tapings this year.  She is hoping her stance will prompt JFL to take action beyond parting ways with Rozon, and is looking for an apology for their continued past employment of Rozon despite the evidence of his behavior, and a statement of support of the women who allegedly were assaulted.

In October of 2017 Gilbert issues an apology himself, saying “To all those who have been offended in my life, I am truly sorry,” after an actress, an entrepreneur and others leveled a multitude of accusations his way ranging from butt slapping and inappropriate comments to unwanted digital penetration, unlawful confinement and rape. The accusations come over the course of over 30 years.

In 1998, Rozon avoided jail time and received other preferential treatment from authorities after pleading guilty and agreeing to receive therapy for abusing his power.

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