French singer Patrick Bruel has been charged with rape and sexual assault in one of the largest #MeToo cases involving the French music industry. The 67-year-old, a prominent figure in French pop culture, was placed under formal investigation regarding four incidents that included alleged rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and sexual harassment. He was named an assisted witness, a step short of formal charges, in four additional cases involving similar allegations. The Nanterre prosecutor’s office stated that Bruel was questioned on Wednesday concerning complaints from nine women covering incidents between 2000 and 2019. Allegations from thirteen other women, covering the period from 1992 to 2008, were added to the file given to investigating magistrates, although some appeared to fall outside the statute of limitations. Bruel’s lawyers stated that he denies all charges. He was released on bail early Thursday. Bruel rose to fame in the 1990s with several successful albums. His image frequently appeared on teen magazine covers, and fans were said to be caught up in “bruelmania.” At the peak of his popularity, French media often portrayed him as a seducer. He appeared in numerous films and briefly held a world poker title in 1998 while remaining a regular presence on television talk shows. Investigative outlet Mediapart and magazine Elle published accusations from women against Bruel in recent months, some describing alleged incidents from the 1990s. Despite the claims, Bruel continued performing in Paris until recently and planned to proceed with his tour across France. However, protests by feminist groups and calls from mayors in cities including Marseille, Paris and Nancy led him to cancel the tour. Bruel attended a police station by prior arrangement earlier this week and was charged Wednesday night following extended questioning. Among those who came forward is Daniela Elstner, current director of Unifrance. Separately, lawyer Myriam Guedj Benayoun filed a new complaint this week alleging attempted rape of a 19-year-old woman at Bruel’s home in 2000. The woman, now 46 and working as an actor, had participated in a music video shoot with Bruel. Bruel’s lawyers again denied all allegations. He is the latest French celebrity to face such claims. Actor Gérard Depardieu, 76, received an 18-month suspended sentence last year after being convicted of sexually assaulting two women on a film set in 2021. His name was added to France’s sex offender register. Depardieu’s appeal is scheduled for November, and he faces a separate trial over allegations from 2018 that he denies.
