Trial opened against Patrick Bruel for rape and sexual assault
The Nanterre prosecutor's office has opened judicial proceedings against French singer and actor Patrick Bruel for alleged acts of rape, attempted rape and sexual assault committed between 2000 and 2019.
Trial opened against Patrick Bruel for rape and sexual assault
The Nanterre prosecutor's office has officially opened judicial proceedings against Patrick Bruel, a renowned French singer and actor, for alleged acts of rape, attempted rape and sexual assault – reports the Index.
On Wednesday, the prosecutor's office requested that charges be brought for nine acts committed between 2000 and 2019. Four cases are currently the subject of investigation: a rape committed in 2008 in Neuilly-sur-Seine, an attempted rape in 2010 in Brussels, sexual assault and violence in 2019 in Perpignan, as well as a sexual assault committed in Corsica.
The 67-year-old artist has been given the status of "assisted witness" in four other files. In these, he has been implicated but not directly charged. Thirteen other complaints have been added to the investigation file, although they are likely to be statute-barred.
On Monday, the singer was taken into police custody and questioned by investigators. His lawyer, Fanny Colin, stated: "We are at the beginning of the procedure, as we are at the beginning of the investigations. Patrick Bruel will naturally participate in all stages of the enquiry and is placing himself at the disposal of the judicial authorities."
The prosecutor's office has imposed control measures: Bruel cannot leave France, nor make contact with the victims and their relatives. He is forbidden from frequenting massage parlours. He must undergo compulsory psychological therapy and pay a bond of 500,000 euros.
Bruel denies the accusations against him, whilst indicating that he is placing himself at the disposal of justice to answer questions within the framework of the procedure. His lawyers assert that he will answer all questions from investigators and provide all necessary elements to prove his innocence.
Under pressure from public opinion and demonstrations organised at his performances, the artist has cancelled most of his upcoming tour. Concerts scheduled in France in the autumn are for the moment being maintained by his management.
Source: Index