French Singer Patrick Bruel Denies Multiple Sexual Assault Accusations as Prosecutors Investigate
French singer and actor Patrick Bruel has issued strong denials against multiple sexual assault allegations, some of which are now under review by prosecutors. The 67-year-old artist faces accusations from approximately 30 women, with around 10 cases currently being examined by authorities in Nanterre, a Paris suburb, and two additional allegations in Saint-Mâlo and Belgium.
Among the accusers is prominent TV and radio presenter Flavie Flament, who alleges that Bruel drugged and raped her at his Paris residence in 1991 when she was 16. Bruel, born Patrick Benguigui in Algeria in 1959, stated on Instagram that he has "never in my life forced myself on a woman," nor has he "drugged, manipulated or tried to subjugate anyone… nor used my fame to abuse or obtain non-consensual relations."
Bruel's lawyer, Christophe Ingrain, claims Flament's account is fabricated, asserting that any relationship between his client and Flament was "totally consensual." Flament, however, has refuted this, stating, "I never had any relationship of any kind with Patrick Bruel."
Three of Bruel's six planned concerts in Canada have been cancelled due to "the current situation and the impossibility of giving it promotion," according to promoter Gestev. A feminist group in France has also launched an online petition demanding the cancellation of his upcoming European tour.
The French government has encouraged victims to report sexual crimes, regardless of when they occurred. Flament was instrumental in advocating for legal changes in France in 2016, leading to an extension of the statute of limitations for sexual crimes against minors from 20 to 30 years.