Quebec City, Canada – Former cheerleading coach Matthieu Martel is on trial facing 36 charges of sexual assault, allegations stemming from incidents involving 11 complainants. The trial began Monday, February 23, 2026, at the Quebec Palace of Justice.
Martel, 44, was arrested and charged in 2023, shortly after announcing his intention to form a latest cheerleading squad following the challenges presented by the pandemic. He previously founded the Phoenix club, which closed in 2021 due to pandemic-related restrictions, and also coached at local schools.
Prosecutors, led by Louis-Philippe Desjardins, have described Martel as a charismatic and influential figure within the Quebec cheerleading community, claiming he presented himself as having the ability to read people’s emotions and even possess healing powers.
Testimony revealed disturbing details of inappropriate comments allegedly made by Martel during practices. An unnamed former colleague, the first to come forward with accusations, testified that Martel frequently made sexually suggestive and demeaning remarks to athletes, both minors and adults. Examples cited include, “You would be more beautiful if you had my penis in your mouth,” “It looks like your breasts have grown,” and “It seems you are capable of spreading your legs more than that.” These comments, she stated, became normalized within the team environment.
According to Le Journal de Québec, police were first alerted to potential issues with Martel’s behavior as early as 2010.
The case centers around allegations that Martel exploited the vulnerabilities of some of his athletes to gain their trust and influence. TVA Nouvelles reports that he allegedly targeted athletes he perceived as more fragile. The trial is ongoing, and the accusations remain unproven in court.
