National Post (National Edition)
Lawyer for former TV star says accuser `not credible'
MONTREAL • The accusations against former Quebec television star Eric Salvail are baseless, defence lawyer Michel Massicotte said Wednesday, adding that the accuser is capable of lying, spreading falsehoods and even perjury.
“His testimony is not credible and can't be retained,” Massicotte said in his closing arguments before Quebec court Judge Alexandre Dalmau, referring to the complainant, Donald Duguay. “Therefore, my client must benefit from reasonable doubt.” Massicotte said Duguay had “narcissistic traits” and that his claims were “purely invented.”
Salvail, 51, is on trial for sexual assault, harassment and unlawful confinement in connection with events alleged to have occurred between April and October 1993 involving former co-worker Duguay. Duguay accused Salvail of months of unwanted advances and harassment. He also said the ex-host confined him in a bathroom at Radio-Canada and assaulted him. Duguay filed a complaint against Salvail in 2017
and asked to be identified publicly. The one-time Quebec television host testified in his defence during the trial, denying the allegations and telling the court Duguay's accusations were “bizarre.”
On Wednesday, Massicotte attacked Duguay's testimony by claiming it was exaggerated and filled with additions that the accuser hadn't previously disclosed. The lawyer said the complainant's version never happened, therefore it was normal, he said, that his client vaguely remembered Duguay.
Judge Dalmau replied that “there are no perfect victims” and no “reasonable” way to behave. “People don't all react all the same way,” the judge said. The Crown prosecutor, Amelie Rivard, is scheduled to make her final arguments Thursday.