Former Quebec child star René Simard called a news conference Thursday to dispute allegations in a new book about the sexual abuse of his sister, Nathalie.

The Simards' former manager, Guy Cloutier, is serving a 3½ year sentence for sexually assaulting Nathalie repeatedly when she was a child singing phenomenon with a fast-rising career.

Former Quebec child star René Simard.
Former Quebec child star René Simard.

Nathalie Simard, now 35, told her story to veteran journalist Michel Vastel for the book Briser le Silence (Breaking the Silence).

In addition to detailing her abuse at the hands of Cloutier, which started with a rape when she was 11, the book says René Simard:

  • Co-operated with Cloutier in trying to buy Nathalie's silence with $1 million in cash and goods when she threatened to go public with details of the sexual abuse.
  • Mismanaged her earnings when he was made her legal guardian at the age of 18.
  • Mocked his sister's appearance and discouraged her from seeing a psychologist.
René Simard admits having facilitated the transfer of goods to Nathalie from Cloutier, but told a Montreal hotel room full of journalists that he was only trying to help his sister overcome what she had gone through.

Nathalie Simard (file photo)
Nathalie Simard (file photo)

He acknowledged that he did not do a good job of managing Nathalie's money when he was made her legal guardian, but blames Cloutier for placing him in a role he wasn't ready for.

Singer claims he was 'devastated' by book

Simard, now 44, recorded 30 albums starting when he was 10. Between 1977 and 1979, he starred in a popular CBC Television variety show bearing his name and produced by Alan Thicke.

He said he has been devastated by what Vastel wrote about his role in his sister's turmoil during those chaotic years.

Saying he has always loved and supported Nathalie, Simard said the author should have requested an interview with him to get the facts.

Vastel issued a one-sentence statement late Thursday afternoon to explain why he hadn't consulted René Simard while writing a book about his sister.

"I would like to make it clear that I didn't meet René Simard for one simple reason: I couldn't meet him," it reads.

The author, who is a political columnist for the Quebec City newspaper Le Soleil, does not explain why he could not meet the entertainer.

Nathalie Simard is now suing Cloutier for inflicting pain, suffering and inconvenience; violating her fundamental rights; and causing a loss of revenue.

Cloutier pleaded guilty in November 2004 to five charges relating to incidents dating back to 1978.