Just For Laughs festival books star comedian Kevin Hart for Montreal show

The Just For Laughs comedy festival announced Monday that superstarcomedian Kevin Hart will perform a one-night-only show at the Bell Centre, July 27.

It's been a difficult couple of months for the festival, ever since sexual misconduct allegations came to light concerning founder and then-presidentGilbert Rozon. He stepped down from his role in October.

• Gilbert Rozon steps down after misconduct allegations surface on social media

But it seems organizers are determined to put together an all-star lineup and dispel rumours about the festival's uncertain future.

This news comes not long after the festival announced that another huge name would perform for free at PlacedesFestivals: The Beach Boys.

They also announced thatMado Lamottewill be back for a fifth edition of her Mado's got talent show,featuring drag-queens, circus artists and comedians.

Additional programming will be announced in the coming months, including billing for the festival's signature Nasty Show and Ethnic Show.

Hart's last show in Montreal was in 2015, when he performed to a sold-out crowd.

He also held a two-minute pitch session at the 2016 festival,sourcingtalent for his digital streamingLOLNetwork.

Moving Mind Studio, a comedy group based in Montreal, was one of the industry newcomers chosen by Hart personally.

Tickets forthe Kevin Hart Irresponsible Tour go on sale Jan. 31 at noon.

Uncertain future

In the weeks following the misconduct scandal, a number of media outlets began to distancethemselves from the festival, announcing they would no longer broadcast JFLcontent.

Marketing and advertising experts told Radio-Canada in the fall that some government and private sponsorswould likely be reconsidering their relationship as well.

Rozonagreed to sell all his ownership shares in the company, butno buyer publicly has come forward yet.

• Swiss firm decides not to pursue Just For Laughs purchase

Not long after the news broke, a rival comedy festival popped up on the Montreal arts and culture landscape.

Originally branding itself asFestival du rire de Montraland then switching toLe Grand Montral comdie fest, the event will prove a competitor for JFLwhen it comes to both audiences and funding.

According to government documents, JFL receivedabout $4.5 million a year in funding from all three levels of government in 2016.

• Could a new comedy festival threaten Just for Laughs?