QUEBEC -- A radio morning man convicted of paying a 17-year-old girl for sex was back on Quebec City's airwaves yesterday, promising to use his job to fight violence against women. The city buzzed with the early morning return of Robert Gillet to CJMF-FM.
The onetime top-rated host had been off the air for nearly two years after he was arrested when police broke up a teenage prostitution ring in 2002.
Gillet announced on air he will drop the appeal of his conviction and abandon a lawsuit against a 15-year-old who accused him of paying for sex with her and of sexually assaulting her. He was acquitted of those charges and said he now forgives the girl for falsely accusing him.
Gillet apologized to his employer, co-workers and friends for embarrassing them.
"I also want to apologize to women everywhere," he said.
"If I can, with this microphone, help to eliminate violence against women, I will do it with enthusiasm."
Gillet, 58, was sentenced to a year's probation and 40 hours of community service last spring after he was convicted of paying for sex with the 17-year-old prostitute.
Gillet also used a 10-minute introduction at the top of his show to explain his actions and to justify his return.
The segment was broadcast live in Quebec on rival radio and television stations.
