PARIS — French entertainer Patrick Bruel remains detained by authorities as prosecutors examine accusations from at least 13 women alleging rape, attempted rape and sexual assault, according to the Nanterre prosecutor’s office on Tuesday.
The 67-year-old performer, who has been held since Monday, maintains his innocence regarding all accusations.
Bruel rose to prominence throughout French-speaking nations during the 1980s and 1990s through numerous chart-topping recordings that became cultural staples. His career also includes roles in over 40 film and television projects.
According to a statement from the Nanterre prosecutor’s office, the probe started when three women came forward alleging sexual assault and attempted rape that supposedly occurred in 1997, 2000 and 2001.
As the probe continued, investigators identified and spoke with more women. These additional accusers reported claims of rape or attempted rape, sexual assault and harassment, the statement indicated.
In a separate matter, prosecutors in western France had opened an inquiry regarding an alleged 2012 rape in Dinard, located in the Brittany region, which has now been moved to the Nanterre prosecutor’s office.
Belgian officials also formally informed French prosecutors this month about accusations from a woman claiming Bruel committed rape and sexual assault in Brussels during 2010, the statement revealed.
Legal representatives for Bruel, Christophe Ingrain, Céline Lasek and Fanny Colin, released a statement saying their client has signaled for weeks “he was available to the judicial authorities so that he could finally respond through the proper legal proceedings.”
French court officials may either bring preliminary charges against Bruel or release him without charges before day’s end.
Recent media coverage, particularly by French investigative publication Mediapart, has highlighted claims from multiple women spanning decades against Bruel, resulting in additional formal complaints being submitted.
