At the Heart of Family Horror: Joël Le Scouarnec’s Sons Break Their Silence During the Trial

The second day of Joël Le Scouarnec’s trial shed light on the deep fractures within his family. Two of his sons testified, delivering harrowing accounts of a childhood marked by silence and past violence.

A Split Father: Between Filial Love and Incomprehension

Quentin*, the youngest of the three sons, claims to have had a “happy childhood” despite the truth he uncovered in 2017, when his father was arrested. Facing the court, he struggles to reconcile the image of a loving father with that of the man on trial for hundreds of rapes and sexual assaults. When invited to address his father, his voice breaks: “I want to separate the man from the father who made sure we never lacked anything.” In the defendant’s box, Joël Le Scouarnec collapses in tears for the first time since the start of the proceedings.

Buried Wounds and Unanswered Questions

Despite professing love for his father, Quentin remains haunted by doubts. The court president asks: “Is it possible that you witnessed events you have buried?” Dressed entirely in black, the thirty-year-old admits he has never dared to seek psychological support, paralyzed by the fear of uncovering a truth too heavy to bear.

A Broken Brother’s Liberated Voice

Thomas*, the middle son, traveled 700 kilometers to testify, on the very day of his own son’s birthday. In a trembling voice, he recounts the sexual assaults he suffered at the hands of his paternal grandfather between the ages of 5 and 10. “The images will stay with me for life,” he whispers, revealing the weight he has carried since childhood. It wasn’t until he was 28, during a family argument, that he finally disclosed the abuse.

A Family Shattered by Silence

Silence reigns in this family haunted by incest. Neither Quentin nor Thomas ever questioned their mother about the accusations against their father or about the 2004 search that had already uncovered child pornography. “We don’t ask questions because we’re afraid of the answers,” explains Solène Podevin Favre, president of the association Face à l’inceste.

A Hope for Truth?

Joël Le Scouarnec’s ex-wife, accused of covering up his actions, is set to testify on Wednesday. Her testimony is eagerly awaited by the victims, who hope for long-awaited answers about the extent of her knowledge. Meanwhile, the sons continue their struggle to rebuild themselves, carrying the weight of a family legacy steeped in pain and silence.

(*Names have been changed)