Ouellet Speaks for First Time About “Nightmare” After False Sexual Abuse Allegations

Cardinal Marc Ouellet spoke about the personal and financial toll of a four year legal battle following false sexual assault allegations against him. In an interview with Rome Reports, the former prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops described the experience as a nightmare that damaged his reputation, health, and moral authority.

The legal dispute began in 2022 when pastoral worker Pamela Groleau included a complaint against Ouellet in a class-action lawsuit involving the Archdiocese of Quebec. Ouellet subsequently sued Groleau for defamation. A Canadian civil court ruled that Groleau's allegations were unfounded and that she had recklessly and maliciously altered her account to attract public attention.

The court ordered Groleau to pay Ouellet 100,000 Canadian dollars. Following the verdict and the conclusion of the appeal period, Ouellet used the interview to reiterate the Church's zero-tolerance policy toward abuse.