Quebec media star Eric Salvail on leave following sexual misconduct allegations

Eric Salvail holds up his ward for best talk show host at the Gala Artis awards ceremony in Montreal, Sunday, May 14, 2017. Salvail, a popular Quebec media personality, is suspending his professional activities amid allegations of sexual misconduct. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes.

MONTREAL — A popular Quebec media personality is suspending his professional activities amid allegations of sexual misconduct.

Producer and talk show host Eric Salvail made the decision today after Montreal La Presse published a story with allegations from 11 people who said they were either sexually harassed or witnessed such behaviour.

Ten of them came forward under the condition of anonymity.

Just hours after the allegations appeared, Salvail said in a statement on his Facebook page he was “deeply shaken” by the allegations against him.

He says he feels a lot of empathy for anyone who may have felt discomfort with his behaviour.

Salvail, 48, says he never intended to offend anyone and will take a few days to take stock of the situation.

Salvail has his own TV production company and is also a well known media figure with his own show on Groupe V Media as well as being a staple on afternoon radio in the province.

Groupe V Media suspended his show “En mode Salvail” for an undetermined period and removed reference to it from its website Wednesday.

The web page for his “Eric et les Fantastiques” radio show on Bell Media-owned Rouge FM also disappeared.

The allegations have cost Salvail various endorsements — with grocery chain Metro Inc. (TSX:MRU) and tour company Transat A.T. Inc (TSX:TRZ) dropping him from different campaigns.

The Canadian Press

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………….……………………………

Would you like to support a project based right here in Quebec?

This book is being co-authored by two people who are passionate about Quebec and everything it has to offer. One of the authors moved to the region some years ago while the other was born and raised in Quebec.

The Québec Book is a unique guide for anyone interested in learning about Quebec culture and the language spoken here. You could be someone visiting Québec, planning to move to Québec, or already living here. Or maybe you’re a native English speaker, a native French speaker, or a speaker of any other language for that matter.

Pre-Order The Québec Book Now and Receive a Bonus!