Bruel case: complaint filed for breach of judicial confidentiality following leaked witness statement
Patrick Bruel's lawyer announces a complaint after a newspaper reveals the name of an actress interviewed in the investigation into sexual violence allegations.
Leaked testimony: Bruel's defence seeks judicial intervention
According to BFM TV, Fanny Colin, Patrick Bruel's lawyer, announced on Wednesday 2 September the filing of a complaint for "breach of judicial confidentiality" after the name of an actress interviewed as part of the investigation into sexual violence allegations against the singer was disclosed in the press.
The woman in question, questioned during the summer by investigators, had explicitly requested anonymity. This protection was not respected, with her identity leaking to the media. Ms Colin described this situation as a "manifest violation" and a "scandalous" practice.
The lawyer nevertheless ruled out responsibility on the part of judicial and police authorities. "I do not believe it was either the judicial authority or the police authority" at fault, she stated, adding that it seemed to her "impossible" that the leak came from the magistrates or investigators.
The 67-year-old singer has faced a mounting number of complaints and accusations since the publication in March of an investigation by Mediapart based on testimony from eight women covering the period 1991–2019. According to BFM TV's count, 32 complaints have been filed against him to date.
Patrick Bruel has been placed under investigation in four cases, notably for rape and attempted rape. In four other cases, he holds the status of assisted witness, which is more favourable from a legal standpoint.
On Tuesday, the singer announced the cancellation of his tour, as political figures, elected officials and feminist organisations had been calling on him for several weeks to cease performing. "I will fight for my innocence to be recognised," he stated, whilst asserting that he was "taking seriously what is being said".
Source: BFM TV