French singer charged in multiple sexual assault cases
French singer and actor Patrick Bruel, against whom several women have filed complaints alleging sexual abuse, was formally charged and released under judicial supervision by the court in Nanterre, France. He thus avoided pre-trial detention, which had been requested by prosecutors.
The 67-year-old artist was charged in four cases: an alleged rape in the Paris region in 2008, an attempted rape in Brussels in 2010, a case involving sexual assault and sexual harassment in southern France in 2019, and a sexual harassment case in Ajaccio, Corsica, in 2019, CE Report quotes AGERPRES.
He was granted the more favorable status of assisted witness in four other cases, including allegations of rape in Brittany in 2012, rape in southern France in 2015, attempted rape in the Paris region in 2010 and 2011, and sexual harassment in Nyon, Switzerland, in 2019.
A final rape allegation dating back to 2000 in Grenoble was found to be time-barred under the statute of limitations.
Under the conditions of his judicial supervision, Bruel is prohibited from leaving France, contacting the alleged victims or their families, visiting their homes, or entering massage parlors. He must also undergo psychological treatment and pay a €500,000 bail.
After being questioned by investigating judges, Bruel was placed under judicial supervision. Prosecutors subsequently sought his pre-trial detention, but the request was rejected. The singer had spent 48 hours in police custody before the hearing.
His lawyers stated earlier this week that Bruel had made himself available to the justice system and wished to respond to the allegations before the competent authorities.
Lawyers representing several complainants welcomed the court's decision, describing it as a significant first judicial step and a strong signal from prosecutors regarding the seriousness and number of allegations.
During Bruel's detention, three additional complaints alleging rape and attempted rape were also filed.
Amid growing pressure, Bruel announced at the end of May that he was canceling most performances of his upcoming tour in France and abroad. Around a dozen festival appearances in France, Belgium, and Switzerland have also been canceled.
Photo: Instagram
