Patrick Bruel, the French singer-songwriter, is being investigated for alleged sexual violence and was taken into police custody on Monday (June 8). The 67-year-old denies all allegations as the Nanterre prosecutor’s office says the investigation involves 13 a
On Monday (June 8), Patrick Bruel was taken into police custody—his first public moment inside a criminal investigation tied to allegations of sexual violence.
The 67-year-old French singer-songwriter, described as one of the best-selling artists ever, is now under investigation for alleged sexual violence. He is denying all allegations.
The Nanterre prosecutor’s office says the investigation involves 13 alleged victims. The case reportedly began with three women who accused him of sexual assault and attempted rape between 1997 and 2001. As more alleged victims identified and were interviewed, additional accounts were drawn into the investigation.
In May, eight formal complaints were filed alleging sexual assault, attempted rape or rape, with acts alleged to have taken place between 1991 and 2015.
Separate from the official probe, around 30 women have publicly accused the artist of sexual violence in investigations published by outlets including Elle, Mediapart, and RTBF.
Bruel’s lawyers—Christophe Ingrain. Céline Lasek. and Fanny Colin—said the singer “for several weeks made it known that he was at the disposal of the justice system. in order to finally respond within the framework of the judicial proceedings before the competent authority. He will answer all investigators’ questions and provide all the elements necessary to demonstrate his innocence.”.
As the investigation unfolds, Bruel has canceled his upcoming performances.
The timeline in the allegations spans decades. and the number of accusers—13 within the prosecutor’s case and about 30 who have spoken publicly—has widened the scope of attention. With multiple complaints filed in May and alleged conduct reaching back to 1991. the investigation is now set to test competing versions of events as Bruel continues to insist on his innocence.
Patrick Bruel investigation alleged sexual violence Nanterre prosecutor’s office police custody June 8 French singer-songwriter denied allegations sexual assault attempted rape rape complaints