Gilbert Rozon steps down after misconduct allegations surface on social media

Gilbert Rozon, president of Just For Laughs, vice-president of the Chamber of Commerce Metropolitan Montreal and the man in charge of the Montreal's 375th anniversary celebrations, is stepping down from all his functions.

Rozon, 62, made the announcement on his Facebook page within hours of being called out by a comedian as an "aggressor."

"I am stepping downout of respect for the employees and families who work for these organizations and all our partners. I do not want to shame them," Rozonsaid in his post.

He did not admit to any allegations.

The news comes on the same day that another prominent Quebecer, media star ric Salvail, was suspended amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

• Quebec media star ric Salvail on leave following sexual misconduct allegations

The Salvail saga prompted comedian Guillaume Wagner to take to social media, saying "Let's talk about the next one."

In his Facebook post, which in seven hours had garnered 16,000 views, Wagner said he worked for Rozon and always heard rumours about his behaviour.

"I will not work for Just For Laughs anymore," he wrote in French.

Wagner does not say he is an alleged victim, nor does his post say that he ever witnessed any inappropriate behaviour.

By 9 p.m., Rozon responded on social media.

"Shaken by the allegations concerning me, I wish to devote all my time to step back and take stock. To all those whom I may have offended throughout my life, I am sincerely sorry."

Rozon was not available for an interview.

Zero tolerance, mayor says

Montreal Mayor Denis Coderre responded to the allegations against Rozon, who up until Wednesday was the commissioner ofMontreal's375thanniversary celebrations.

"When there is a relationship of authority, you have to protect people,'' Coderresaid in a written statement. ''The pressure should not be on the victims but on the alleged aggressors. For me, it's zero tolerance, whether we know the people involved or not."

Coderre added that alleged victims need to be supportedwhile allowing the justice system to run its course.

Police investigation underway

Radio-Canada has confirmed that Montreal police have opened an investigation intoRozonfor an incident reported to have happened in Paris in1994.