Patrick Bruel in custody over fresh sexual assault allegations
French singer and actor Patrick Bruel has been taken into police custody over fresh allegations of sexual assault.
Bruel is currently facing an investigation of four counts of sexual assault in France, which was launched last month, on top of an additional investigation in Belgium, after he was accused of sexual assault in Brussels in March.
Now, per a report in the local outlet FranceInfo, the Nanterre public prosecutor’s office has confirmed in a statement that the entertainer was taken into police custody earlier on June 8th for questioning over fresh allegations in the case.
This includes a number of allegations made by different women over the course of 1997 to 2012, who have accused him of rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault.
It does not include previous existing complaints, or the civil case being brought against Bruel by TV presenter Flavie Flament.
Bruel, who is one of France’s best-known entertainers, having released more than 40 albums, strongly denies all the accusations against him.
He maintained his innocence in a statement posted to his Instagram last month, in which he said he has “never forced a woman,” adding, “And if I have hurt anyone, I sincerely regret it.”
At the time, he insisted he would “continue to do my job, with the same dedication and the same passion”, as he is currently starring in a play and was set to head out on a tour covering France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada in June.
However, Bruel subsequently cancelled the tour, as well as the past five performances of Paris play he is starring in being scrapped, according to local media.
Legally, the singer and actor can be held by police for up to 48 hours before either being released or brought before a magistrate.
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.
Never Miss A Scene
The Far Out Film Newsletter
All the latest film news from the independent voice of culture.
Straight to your inbox.