Producer and businessman Andy Nulman, who helped create Just for Laughs, has been brought on as a consultant for the brand new Festival du Rire de Montréal.
He says though there were plans rumbling quietly to launch a new festival, it would not have been announced so soon if it weren't for the sexual harassment scandal surrounding his old friend Gilbert Rozon.
"All in all, I know what has spawned this has been waves of negativity," says Nulman. "But I do believe that what's going to come out of it, for all parties, is something that's much more positive and much more progressive."
He says it's early to discuss details like whether anglo comedians will be included in the Festival du Rire de Montréal, that they're currently in brainstorming mode.
Nulman says the culture has changed significantly since he helped Rozon get Just for Laughs off the ground.
"Well, it's showbiz..." says Nulman. "I've seen yelling, screaming, I've seen really serious poor behaviour, I've seen drug use...I could go on and on."
He would not confirm or deny whether he had personally witnessed the kind of sexual harassment described in allegations against Rozon.
"Gilbert has his problems, he's dealing with his problems but I'm not going to throw the man under the bus."
Nulman did say future harassment at the new festival would be dealt with swiftly.
"If something comes out — they're out, it's over," he said.