Quebec Cheerleading Coach Faces Multiple Sexual Assault Allegations
Quebec City – Matthieu Martel, a former cheerleading coach, is currently on trial facing a multitude of sexual assault charges, stemming from allegations made by eleven different women. The accusations span a period of years and detail a pattern of inappropriate and allegedly predatory behavior towards athletes, some of whom were minors at the time of the alleged offenses. The case, unfolding at the Palais de Justice de Québec, has brought to light disturbing accounts of a coach accused of exploiting his position of power and influence within the cheerleading community. The trial began on Monday, February 23, 2026 and is expected to continue for several weeks, with testimony revealing a disturbing pattern of alleged misconduct.
The allegations against Martel, 44, range from sexual assault to luring and inciting contact, and include accusations of showing sexually explicit material to minors. According to court documents, the alleged incidents occurred during cheerleading practices and other related activities. The prosecution, led by Me Louis-Philippe Desjardins, portrays Martel as a charismatic figure who wielded significant influence over his athletes, and who allegedly used this influence to manipulate and abuse them. Martel founded the Phoenix cheerleading club, which closed in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and likewise worked as a cheerleading coach in schools. He was arrested in 2023, shortly after expressing intentions to establish a latest cheerleading team.
Allegations of Inappropriate Conduct Detailed in Court
Testimony presented in court has revealed a series of deeply troubling allegations regarding Martel’s behavior. An unnamed former colleague, the first to come forward with accusations, testified that Martel frequently made sexually suggestive and inappropriate comments to athletes, to the point where such remarks became “banalized” within the team environment. Specific examples of alleged comments, as reported by La Soleil, include: “Tu serais plus belle si tu avais mon pénis dans ta gueule,” “On dirait que tes seins ont grossi,” and “Il me semble que tu es capable de t’écarter les jambes plus que ça.” These alleged statements, if proven true, paint a picture of a coach who routinely subjected his athletes to degrading and sexually charged remarks.
Further allegations suggest that Martel exploited the vulnerabilities of some of his athletes, particularly those he perceived as more fragile. TVA Nouvelles reported that Martel allegedly targeted athletes struggling with personal issues, using their vulnerabilities to gain control and manipulate them. In one particularly disturbing case, a teenage athlete reportedly developed romantic feelings for Martel, a dynamic the prosecution argues was deliberately fostered by the accused.
Previous Concerns and Police Involvement
The current trial is not the first time concerns have been raised about Martel’s behavior. Le Journal de Québec reported that police were first alerted to potential issues with Martel’s conduct as early as 2010. However, the details of that initial investigation remain unclear. The fact that concerns were raised over a decade ago, yet no immediate action was taken, raises questions about the handling of these allegations in the past.
Recent developments in the case also reveal potential attempts to obstruct the investigation. Following his arrest in July 2023, investigators discovered that Martel had listed a hard drive and an iPhone for sale on Facebook Marketplace. A subsequent search warrant was executed at his residence in Stoneham, resulting in the recovery of these devices, which are now being examined as potential evidence. This discovery suggests a possible attempt to destroy or conceal incriminating information. The Sûreté du Québec, the provincial police force, is leading the investigation.
Allegations of a Pattern of Predatory Behavior
The prosecution is building a case that demonstrates a pattern of predatory behavior on the part of Martel. They argue that he used his position of authority and charisma to groom and manipulate young athletes, creating an environment where inappropriate conduct was normalized and victims were afraid to come forward. The fact that eleven women have now come forward with allegations suggests that Martel’s alleged misconduct was not isolated to a single incident or individual. The alleged comments reported by Le Soleil, such as “prépare ton condom,” further illustrate the alleged hostile and sexually charged atmosphere Martel allegedly created.
The case has sparked a wider conversation about the potential for abuse of power within the cheerleading community and the importance of safeguarding athletes. Experts are calling for increased oversight and stricter regulations to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The trial is expected to shed light on the dynamics of power and control within the sport and the challenges faced by victims of sexual abuse.
Ongoing Investigation and Future Proceedings
Matthieu Martel remains in custody as the trial continues. The prosecution is expected to present further evidence and call additional witnesses in the coming weeks. The defense is expected to challenge the allegations and present its own case. The outcome of the trial could have significant implications for the cheerleading community in Quebec and beyond. The Sûreté du Québec continues to investigate the allegations, and further charges may be filed as the investigation progresses.
The next scheduled court date is March 6, 2026, where further witness testimony is expected. Readers seeking more information about this case or resources for victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the Sûreté du Québec or local support organizations. We will continue to provide updates on this developing story as it unfolds.
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual assault, please reach out for facilitate. Resources are available, and you are not alone.
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