Witness Testifies Cardinal Ouellet Groped Her in 1990s at Defamation Trial
In a dramatic turn at the Montreal courthouse, a witness has come forward with allegations against retired Cardinal Marc Ouellet during a defamation trial. Marie-Louise Moreau, 84, testified on Friday that Ouellet rubbed her buttocks in 1992 while she was preparing for a mass at a seminary. This testimony adds to the legal battle where Ouellet is suing Paméla Groleau for $100,000, claiming she defamed him with sexual assault allegations.
Allegations from the 1990s Surface in Court
Moreau, who was called as a witness by Alain Arsenault, the lawyer representing Groleau, described the incident in detail. She stated that she was standing on a stairway at the Grand Séminaire de Montréal, reaching for books to prepare for a mass, when Ouellet, then the rector, allegedly placed himself behind her. "He placed both of his hands on either side of me and he rubbed his hands on my derrière," Moreau recounted. She expressed being "extremely stunned" and "shocked" by the encounter, which she said has haunted her for 34 years.
Moreau agreed to lift a publication ban on her identity, allowing her testimony to be publicly disclosed. She emphasized the emotional toll, saying, "I have been carrying this for 34 years." During cross-examination by Ouellet's lawyer, Dominique Ménard, she repeated that she felt "like a prisoner" during the alleged groping and had to flee to Sherbrooke Street to feel safe.
Legal Proceedings and Objections in the Defamation Case
The trial, presided over by Quebec Superior Court Justice Marc Castonguay, has seen intense legal maneuvering. Before Moreau's testimony, Ménard objected to her being called as a witness in the defamation case. Justice Castonguay indicated that he will rule on this objection at a later date, adding uncertainty to the proceedings.
This case stems from allegations made by Groleau, who testified on Thursday that Ouellet sexually assaulted her in February 2010 after a priest's ordination in Quebec City. Groleau, a former pastoral agent, alleged that Ouellet ran his hand down her back and pressed harder at the top of her buttocks. Ouellet's lawsuit against her seeks damages for defamation, claiming these allegations are false and damaging to his reputation.
Context and Impact on the Community
The allegations have sent shockwaves through the religious community in Montreal, with church workers reportedly stunned by the claims. The trial highlights ongoing issues of accountability and transparency within institutions, as victims come forward with long-held secrets. Moreau's testimony underscores the lasting trauma of such incidents, with her vivid recollection of the event from over three decades ago.
As the trial continues, it raises questions about the legal standards for defamation versus the need to address sexual misconduct allegations. The outcome could set precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future, balancing free speech with protection against false accusations.
In summary, the defamation trial involving Cardinal Marc Ouellet has taken a new turn with witness Marie-Louise Moreau's allegations of groping in the 1990s. With legal objections pending and emotional testimonies unfolding, the case remains a focal point for discussions on justice, memory, and institutional responsibility in Montreal.
