Patrick Bruel targeted by two new complaints of sexual violence
Two additional women have filed complaints against French singer Patrick Bruel for rape and sexual assault committed in 2007 and 2012.
Patrick Bruel targeted by two new complaints of sexual violence
Two women have filed complaints against Patrick Bruel for sexual offences, announced news agency AFP on Saturday. These new accusations add to those already faced by the French singer and actor, aged 67.
The first complainant alleges an attempted rape and sexual assault that occurred in October 2007 at the La Réunion film festival, an event the artist was sponsoring at the time. The second accuses the performer of "Casser la voix" of rape and sexual assault committed in May 2012.
According to online media Mediapart, the first victim, named Amandine and aged 45, works as a psychotherapist. She is said to have met Patrick Bruel in 2000, then seen him several times between 2001 and 2003. Although she mentions "enriching" moments linked to "privileged access, concerts, a theatre play, restaurants", she claims there was "always an obligatory part: his bed". In 2007, she is said to have encountered him in a café in La Réunion where she lives, before going up to his room at his request. "I open the door, he is completely naked, he pushes me against the wall and tries to kiss me, I push him away, I leave", she recounts.
The second complainant did not wish to reveal further details about the facts she alleges, according to Mediapart. Jade Dousselin, lawyer for the two women, confirmed these accusations without elaborating. "We are, in reality, only at the beginning of this matter. These complaints will add to the facts the singer must answer for. Testimonies are flooding in in large numbers and there is no doubt that rapid and significant developments in this case should be expected which could lead to new charges", she stated.
Patrick Bruel, who contests all the accusations, was placed under formal investigation on Wednesday evening for four cases following 48 hours in police custody. The Nanterre public prosecutor's office had sought his remand in custody, but the judge preferred to impose judicial supervision. One of his lawyers, Fanny Colin, had indicated on Wednesday that her client would "naturally take part in all investigative steps" and would place himself "at the disposal of the judicial authorities".
The singer has moreover announced the cancellation of the majority of his next tour.
Source: HBVL
Source: Het Belang van Limburg