French singer and actor Patrick Bruel denies multiple sexual assault allegations
French singer and actor Patrick Bruel has denied multiple allegations of sexual assault made against him.
The prosecutor’s office in Paris announced on May 17th that Bruel would be investigated over four complaints of sexual assault in France, on top of an ongoing investigation against him in Belgium after he was accused of sexual assault in Brussels in March.
Despite this, the French star strongly denies the allegations, writing in a statement posted to his Instagram on May 17th that “I have never forced a woman,” adding, “And if I have hurt anyone, I sincerely regret it.”
Bruel is currently starring in a play in Paris, according to The Guardian, and is set to head on a music tour in June, which will take him across France, as well as Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada.
However, multiple petitions are now circulating online, calling for the tour to be cancelled. The move has been backed by various feminist groups in his native country.
In response, Bruel added in his statement that he would “continue to do my job, with the same dedication and the same passion”.
Having starred in more than 40 films and with a slew of best-selling albums, Bruel is one of France’s most successful stars, but he has faced allegations of sexual abuse since March in the local outlet Mediaport.
His latest statement addresses accusations made by the TV presenter Flavie Flament, with the actor saying their relationship was “neither violent, nor coercive, nor underhanded”.
The 67-year-old added: “I have never used my fame to abuse anyone or obtain non-consensual relationships. I understand that our age difference might raise eyebrows today. I also understand that fame or status can skew a romantic relationship.”
Bruel’s lawyer has said that courts have already provided rulings on some allegations against him, including sexual harassment and assault by two massage therapists in 2019, where an initial investigation was closed due to a lack of evidence.
For help, advice or more information regarding sexual harassment, assault and rape in the UK, visit the Rape Crisis charity website. In the US, visit RAINN.
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