Patrick Bruel, a celebrated French singer and actor, has been placed under judicial investigation after a series of rape and sexual abuse accusations came to light in the wake of the MeToo movement in France.
The 67‑year‑old star was held in custody in the western Paris suburb of Nanterre for two days before appearing before a panel of four judges on Wednesday evening. The judges accepted the state prosecutor’s request to further investigate nine specific cases of alleged rape, attempted rape and sexual assault of harassment.
Bruel has denied each allegation. He claims that he always took no for an answer but insists that he has never forced himself on a woman, drugged or manipulated anyone, or used his fame to abuse a non‑consensual relationship.
The investigations could lead to a trial, as is typical under French law, where rape is defined as any non‑consensual act of penetration.
Women who have come forward—some as young as 16—have described incidents that took place on film sets and music venues. The most recent accusation involves TV presenter Flavie Flament, who says that the singer drugged and raped her in 1991, an allegation that the current courts have not yet taken into account but the state prosecutor wants re‑examined.
High‑profile figures have commented on the case, with feminist campaigners expressing satisfaction at the judicial scrutiny. At the same time, the controversy adds to France’s heightened sensitivity to sex‑offence prosecutions, following the tragic murder of an 11‑year‑old girl whose alleged killer had likewise been previously accused of abuse.
Bruel’s upcoming music tour across France, Belgium, Switzerland and Canada has been cancelled, and his recent live performances were withdrawn following the allegations. The singer remains free on bail, pending the judges’ decision on whether to keep him in custody.
