Patrick Bruel Charged With Rape in France

French singer and actor Patrick Bruel (67) has been placed under judicial investigation for a series of rape, attempted‑rape and sexual‑harassment allegations following the Me‑Too wave in Europe.

After two days in custody in Nanterre, a western Paris suburb, a panel of four judges confirmed the prosecutor’s request to keep Bruel under investigation; they are now deciding whether he remains in custody while the case is examined more closely.

Bruel denies all accusations, saying he has never forced himself on a woman, never drugged, manipulated or abused fame, and has spoken publicly that he “always took no for an answer” in dealing with alleged misconduct.

The case follows similar proceedings involving star Gérard Depardieu and comes amid heightened scrutiny in France after the 2023 murder of an 11‑year‑old girl, Lyhanna, which exposed failures to act on prior abuse complaints.

If the investigation proceeds to trial, the outcome could lead to the cancellation of Bruel’s concert tour across France, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada, as well as the withdrawal of his upcoming theatre performance.

Source: BBC News