Editor’s Note – Comedian Julien Lacroix has left the public scene after allegations of sexual violence were reported in Le Devoir more than two years ago. Recently, a controversial filing by La Presse+ and 98.5 revisited the testimonies of victims, paving the way for the comedian’s return. Le Journal was the only daily newspaper entitled to witness the spectacle.
At the door of the Café Impérial Torréfacteur in the Angus sector of Rosemont, a uniformed security guard waits at the entrance, arms crossed, meticulously checking the names of spectators and the tickets received.
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The thirty-odd cardholders only learned the exact address of Julien Lacroix’s show 24 hours in advance, in order to ward off a possible hostility demonstration near the café.
“Everyone who speaks to the journalists who have revisited the Lacroix case has reminded me that there are always three sides to a medal, the reverse, the obverse and the center, not everything is all black or all white,” says Lyne Lalancette , 56, from Terrebonne.
“It seems to me that he deserves his chance to recover. »
A viewer’s face reminds me of something: “I’m Alice Payer, she tells me. I’m the one who was portrayed as the victim by Julien Lacroix, although I never was. »
“It’s a huge relief to me because it ends two and a half years of hypocrisy inflating a list I shouldn’t have been on. »
A special formula
Julien Lacroix, used to the big stages before his debacle, faced a first audience in miniature and, frankly, in advance.
“It’s fucked up, huh? I don’t know what you think of me or who you are, but we’ll try to have fun,” Lacroix told viewers, who were able to write their questions for him on paper.
Not surprisingly, almost all of these had to do with his misdeeds over the past few years.
“How did you feel when the first article came out? »
The comedian, of course, had anticipated this question and his answer was backed up with rehearsed jokes.
“I didn’t stop writing for two years because I had nothing else to do. »
He recounted the experiences of his social outcast from his own perspective, which I’m sure will be asked to do many times, especially when he accepts invitations to appear on television shows.
Always the same
Is the Julien Lacroix of today different from who he was in 2020?
I claim no expertise in the matter, but it seemed to me that… no.
His humor remains of the inside-out variety and is readily lewd.
Among the thorny issues discussed: Growing up as a teenager with access to pornography.
His monologue about his sobriety was not without serious and touching moments, a skilfully constructed text.
During this skit, his manner of being comical but respectful to an obviously very tipsy viewer was impressive.
“Where do you see yourself in a year? was on one of the notes.
“I hope I can do my job without fear,” the comedian replied.
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