Woman who accused Quebec cardinal of sexual misconduct testifies at defamation trial

By Canadian Press on March 5, 2026.

MONTREAL — The woman being sued for defamation by Quebec Cardinal Marc Ouellet has taken the stand at the Montreal courthouse to repeat her misconduct allegations against him.

Paméla Groleau testified in Superior Court today that she felt like she was under a spotlight that drew Ouellet to her every time they attended an event together.

She accused Ouellet of several touching incidents between 2008 and 2010, including one where he allegedly slid his hand down her back to the top of her buttocks at an event in Quebec City.

The allegations first surfaced in 2022 as part of a wider class-action lawsuit against the archdiocese of Quebec and dozens of its clergy or lay members. Those allegations have not been tested in court.

In response, Ouellet launched a $100,000 defamation countersuit against Groleau, alleging that she damaged his reputation, honour and dignity.

He has denied acting inappropriately toward her or anyone else, and has said her allegations unfairly group him with those accused of reprehensible acts such as pedophilia.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 5, 2026.

Morgan Lowrie, The Canadian Press