The episode of the television series STAT that aired on ICI Télé on November 3, 2026, concluded with a scene depicting the sexual assault of the character Emmanuelle St-Cyr, an urgentologist played by Suzanne Clément.
Labbé Addresses Sexual Violence
Show author Marie-Andrée Labbé stated that the assault was a deliberate choice to address violence against women. She explained that she wanted to express her frustration with the issue and use television to encourage reflection. Labbé praised Suzanne Clément’s performance as formidable. The author emphasized that the character of Emmanuelle St-Cyr has nothing to reproach herself for regarding the attack.
“I wanted people to be surprised, just like her. It happens out of nowhere; it’s just a regular Tuesday at St-Vincent. The idea is to make people feel emotions. In this case, I wanted the effect to be total,” Marie-Andrée Labbé, author, said.
Marie-Andrée Labbé, author
Labbé stated that the narrative arc for St-Cyr will focus on her response to the trauma and her refusal to feel shame. The character’s reaction is intended to demonstrate another facet of Emmanuelle’s strength. Labbé stated: I am a victim, what happened is not my fault, I don’t need to hide.
The author believes this portrayal may encourage other women to step out of the state of shame that follows such situations.
Managing Viewer Reactions
The production included a content warning stating: This program contains language and scenes of violence that are particularly difficult. We prefer to warn you.
Some viewers argued on social media that the warning did not sufficiently convey the graphic nature of the scene. Others contended that the intensity of the scene was unnecessary to address the subject.
Info-aide violence sexuelle provides anonymous, confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week, at 1 888 933-9007 or via online chat. It was suggested that those who have experienced trauma related to violence might choose not to watch the episode.
Writers Focus on Long-Term Consequences for Characters
The perpetrator in the episode was played by actor Mathieu Quesnel. Labbé indicated that the show’s writers intend to focus on the long-term consequences of the assault for the character. The writers will also examine the impact on her colleagues at the hospital.
According to Numeris, the show draws an average of 1,287,000 viewers every Tuesday on ICI Télé. STAT remains one of the most-watched programs during the autumn season. Labbé has expressed hope that the series will be renewed for a sixth season.