Mayors demand cancellation of Patrick Bruel tour after new rape attempt complaint
Several mayors are refusing to welcome Patrick Bruel to their cities following a new rape attempt complaint. The artist, already under investigation in four cases, plans a 35-date tour from October onwards.
Elected officials call for cancellation of Patrick Bruel concerts
According to Radio France - Justice, a new complaint for "attempted rape" has been filed against Patrick Bruel, who is already under investigation in four cases of rape and sexual assault. Despite these accusations, the singer is due to begin a 35-date tour across France from early October. Several mayors of cities affected by these concerts are now demanding outright cancellation of the performances.
In Laval (Mayenne), a city where Patrick Bruel is scheduled to perform in the autumn, left-wing independent mayor Florian Bercault is demanding that the artist withdraw from performing. "It is high time that the code of silence is broken in all circles, in the cultural sector certainly included; the promoter must take responsibility, Patrick Bruel must take responsibility," he said. He also called on the company managing the concert venue to examine the terms of cancellation, adding that "women's voices today must be listened to and heard, the courts must be able to do their work".
Around 200 kilometres from Laval, in Chartres — a city where the tour is due to open on 2 October — right-wing independent mayor Ladislas Vergne indicated that the booking of the venue, a public facility, had not resulted in the signing of a contract. "This reservation, we wish to withdraw the option," he stated. Vergne warned that if the artist contested this decision, the City was prepared to resort to legal measures, potentially including a municipal order. The elected official expressed the hope of not having to go that far, while assuring that the concert would not take place. In its place, he wishes to organise an event on that date dedicated to all victims of violence.
Source: Radio France - Justice