Sylvain Parent-Bédard says he would take immediate action, including filing a police report, if he heard allegations of sexual misconduct during the ComediHa presentation! Fest Quebec.
“We will not let anything happen,” assures the big boss of the Quebec Comedy Festival when asked about the measures that would be taken if artists on the program made inappropriate gestures or similar, as accused of the singer of the German group Rammstein become.
We recall that Till Lindemann is the subject of allegations that he drugged and abused female viewers whom he had selected from the crowd of the group’s concerts and invited to parties in the dressing rooms.
“We have a responsibility in this regard and we don’t think it’s funny. It has no place,” emphasizes Sylvain Parent-Bédard.
The environment has changed
According to the latter, “the world of humor has changed for the better” since big names in the industry, including Gilbert Rozon, Julien Lacroix and Philippe Bond, were denounced in the wave of the #MeToo movement.
Without naming names, he points out that artists who behaved inappropriately were no longer invited to ComediHa! Fest-Quebec, a decision that is “entirely approved” and irrevocable for the time being.
His organization also adopted a code of ethics a few years ago to promote a “healthy workplace where people feel safe” at ComediHa! to ensure.
“This code is given and explained to each member of the team, whether permanent or temporary, when they take up their duties,” stresses Sylvain Parent-Bédard, adding that artists are also informed of the rules to be respected.
“When major events, TV productions or festivals take place, freelancers are notified and artists are made aware of it.”