Patrick Bruel denied any criminal wrongdoing during his detentionThe singer and actor also denies that the scenes described by the plaintiffs could have occurred, according to BFMTV. He therefore continues to proclaim his innocence, as the legal proceedings against him enter a decisive phase.
A presentation to the judges in the afternoon
Currently in police custody, Patrick Bruel is due to appear before investigating judges this afternoon. At this stage, he intends to answer the magistrates' questions and defend himself. His objective is clear: to contest the accusations and avoid being formally charged and facing coercive measures. According to BFMTV, the singer "I'm not doing well at all."
The prosecutor's office directly referred the matter to the judge of liberties.
The public prosecutor's office has directly referred the case to the judge of freedoms and detention. This means that, even if the investigating judge does not fully follow the prosecution's recommendations, Patrick Bruel could still be brought before the magistrate responsible for ruling on possible pretrial detention. Incarceration is therefore among the possible legal scenarios at this stage of the proceedings.
26 victims identified by the justice system
In total, 26 victims have been identified in the case. They fall into three groups: 9 women allege acts for which the prosecution is requesting that Patrick Bruel be formally charged, 13 women allege acts that are beyond the statute of limitations. These testimonies have nonetheless been added to the case file, and 4 women have filed civil suits. They are therefore addressing the investigating judges directly, without going through the prosecutor's office.
The prosecutor's office indicates that complaints filed with civil action in other courts may, in the future, be joined to the ongoing proceedings. The case could therefore still evolve, particularly if other legal elements are brought before the same investigating judges.
