Nathalie Simard is speaking out after a Facebook page and related comments mocked the sexual abuse she survived as a child, prompting the Quebec singer and television host to call for greater accountability online.
Simard addressed the issue publicly on October 26 and October 27, 2026, after an online post made a degrading reference to the abuse she experienced when she was nine years old.
She said the comments went beyond criticism of a public figure and crossed into the trivialization of sexual violence against children.
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Nathalie Simard says the comments crossed a line
Nathalie Simard discussed the incident during a radio interview on October 27, saying she was speaking not only for herself but also for survivors who remain unable to discuss what happened to them.
She argued that jokes about sexual abuse can deepen the shame surrounding these crimes and make it harder for victims to seek help or speak publicly.
In a separate social media statement, Simard said that mocking abuse suffered by a child was not a matter of personal opinion but an issue involving basic human dignity.
The post referred to a Facebook group called “Je n’aime pas Nathalie Simard.”
The group was later no longer available, according to reports following Simard’s public response.
Complaint filed over online comments
Simard said she had filed a complaint over the online material, although she did not know by October 27 whether authorities would proceed with it.
The complaint’s status has not been publicly confirmed, and no charges have been announced.
That distinction is important because offensive or cruel online speech does not automatically result in criminal proceedings.
Any legal response would depend on the specific content, the circumstances in which it was published and the findings of authorities.
Simard has also urged social media platforms and governments to do more to address content that targets vulnerable people or makes light of sexual violence.
Support from Quebec artists
The singer’s statement drew public support from several Quebec entertainers, including Roxane Bruneau, Guylaine Tremblay, Matt Lang, Ima and Pénélope McQuade.
The messages of support focused on the cruelty of the comments and on the importance of believing and protecting people who disclose childhood abuse.
Simard’s decision to respond publicly also renewed discussion about the way survivors are treated online after sharing painful experiences.
Simard continues television and radio work
The controversy comes as Simard continues a busy professional schedule.
She is hosting Nathalie au travail on OUI Radio after joining the network in August 2026.
She is also filming the second season of Du Québec au ventre, with production expected to continue until December 2026 and new episodes planned for 2027.
Simard has recently expanded her work into interviews for La Semaine magazine and continues to be associated with the magazine Simplement bien avec Nathalie.
She is also expected to return to the musical Évangéline in 2027 after the production’s first run attracted more than 60,000 spectators.
What happens next
The immediate next step is to determine whether Simard’s complaint will be retained and whether any investigation will follow.
For survivors and advocates, the episode also highlights the limits of relying on victims to report abusive online behaviour themselves.
Simard has framed her response as an effort to defend the younger version of herself and to support people who have not yet found the words to tell their own stories.
She has not withdrawn from public life, but her comments make clear that she views the incident as part of a broader problem involving the normalization of violence and harassment on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Nathalie Simard?
Nathalie Simard denounced online comments that mocked the sexual abuse she survived as a child. She said the material was demeaning and filed a complaint.
Did Nathalie Simard file a complaint?
Yes. Simard said she filed a complaint, although she did not know as of October 27, 2026, whether authorities would retain it.
Was anyone charged over the comments?
No charges have been publicly announced. The status of any complaint or investigation remains unclear.
What Facebook page was involved?
The comments were associated with a Facebook group called “Je n’aime pas Nathalie Simard.” The group was later reported to be unavailable.
What is Nathalie Simard working on now?
She hosts Nathalie au travail on OUI Radio, is filming the second season of Du Québec au ventre and is expected to return to Évangéline in 2027.
Fact-Checked: Key dates, the radio interview, the complaint claim and Simard’s current projects were checked against her official social channels and the associated QUB broadcast listing.
Disclaimer: This article discusses sexual abuse and online harassment without reproducing graphic details; readers affected by abuse may wish to contact a local crisis or support service.