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French singer and actor Patrick Bruel has been charged with rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment, following a period in police custody and a formal judicial investigation. The 67-year-old, one of France's best-selling recording artists, denies all charges against him.

Prosecutors in the Paris suburb of Nanterre requested that Bruel be charged and placed in pre-trial detention, but investigating judges instead ordered his release under judicial supervision on bail of €500,000, as reported by RFI. He has been barred from leaving France and must undergo psychological treatment, among other conditions.

The charges relate to four alleged incidents spanning a decade and two countries: rape in Neuilly-sur-Seine in 2008, attempted rape in Brussels in 2010, sexual assault and sexual harassment in Perpignan in 2019, and sexual harassment in Ajaccio the same year, according to RFI.

Coverage comparison

The case has been covered by multiple international outlets, each reporting slightly different details as the legal process unfolded. BBC reported that Bruel was placed under judicial investigation on several counts of rape and sexual abuse after two days in custody, and that a panel of four judges confirmed the state prosecutor's request. The Guardian stated that Bruel was charged with rape and sexual assault and placed under formal investigation, with his lawyers denying all charges.

France 24 reported that Bruel was taken into police custody on Monday as two new rape complaints were filed against him, and that he was questioned about allegations concerning 13 victims. RFI added that he was released under judicial supervision after almost 48 hours in custody, and that the case now involves accusations by more than 20 women.

There is some variation in the number of allegations and victims cited: France 24 reported that prosecutors requested charges over nine allegations of sexual abuse, while other reports mention 13 or more than 20 women accusing him. RFI reported that among the thirty or so women accusing him of sexual violence are a masseuse, a former press officer, and television presenter Flavie Flament.

Key claims

  • Judicial investigation and charges: Bruel has been placed under judicial investigation and formally charged with rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment, as reported by BBC, The Guardian, and RFI. The Nanterre prosecutor's office requested that he be charged and placed in pre-trial detention, but judges ordered his release under judicial supervision.
  • Number of victims and complaints: Reports vary, with France 24 citing nine allegations for which prosecutors sought charges, and other reports referencing 13 victims or more than 20 women accusing him. Two new rape complaints were filed on May 27 and June 3 by two women, according to France 24 and The Guardian.
  • Denial of all charges: Bruel has consistently denied all allegations. In a social media post, he wrote: "I have never forced a woman. I have never drugged, manipulated or looked for anyone to submit," as quoted by France 24.
  • Concert cancellations: Bruel announced the cancellation of all his concerts until the fall, including dates in Paris and festivals, as reported by RFI. A dozen concerts are affected by the summer cancellations, and three concerts scheduled for December in Quebec were also cancelled.
  • Investigations in France and Belgium: Several probes are ongoing in both countries, with complaints spanning from 1997 to 2019.

Perspectives

Bruel's defense

Bruel denies all allegations. His lawyers stated he would "answer all the investigators' questions and will provide all the elements necessary to demonstrate his innocence," as reported by France 24. Bruel himself wrote on social media that he has never forced a woman.

Prosecution

The Nanterre prosecutor's office requested that Bruel be charged and placed in pre-trial detention, arguing that the allegations warranted formal charges. The prosecutor's office stated that complaints from 13 additional people had been added to the file handed to investigating magistrates, even if they "appeared to be as beyond the statute of limitations at this stage," as reported by France 24.

Feminist campaigners

Feminist campaigners reacted with satisfaction to the news of Bruel's being placed under investigation, according to BBC. The case is seen as part of the broader #MeToo movement in France, following the conviction of actor Gérard Depardieu for sexual assault.