Patrick Bruel posted a lengthy message on Instagram Sunday evening following rape allegations made by Flavie Flament. The television presenter and author announced that she had filed a complaint against him for events she alleges occurred in 1991, when she was a minor. Patrick Bruel strongly denies these accusations.
"There was no rape, nor drugs." Patrick Bruel denies it
In this message, the artist claims to have "Hesitated a lot" before speaking out, he explained that he had until now reserved his comments for the justice system. He acknowledged having met Flavie Flament in the 1990s and mentioned a "A brief history"but denies any forced relationship, any violence and any drugs.
This statement follows accusations from some thirty women who accuse him of sexual violence, which he denies. Regarding Flavie Flament, his lawyers had already stated that he had not "Never taken drugs" and had not "No report imposed".
The courts are called upon to decide.
In his message, Patrick Bruel emphasizes the presumption of innocence and states his intention to defend himself in court. At this stage, the allegations are contested, and no court decision has established the singer's guilt.
Here is Patrick Bruel's full message:
"I hesitated a lot before speaking out."
For the past two months, I have chosen to reserve my words for the Justice system. But I can no longer let such things, so contrary to who I am, be said without reacting, and let allegations and rumors, sometimes absurd and sickening, spread at the expense of the truth.
I met Flavie Flament in the 90s. My career had started, she was starting hers. We crossed paths, we saw each other a few times, we had a brief relationship.
This relationship was neither violent, nor coercive, nor underhanded. There was no rape, no drugs. I never mistreated her, nor abandoned her in front of a "sordid hotel".
Those who knew us then, those who have known us since, those who have seen us meet again over the years, on sets as in life, have never perceived between us anything other than a complicity born of common memories.
I don't understand why, suddenly today, Flavie Flament is telling a different and sordid story and would file a complaint against me. I simply know that this story is false.
I have never forced a woman. I have never drugged, manipulated, or tried to subdue anyone. I have never used my fame to abuse anyone or obtain non-consensual sex.
I understand that our age difference might raise eyebrows today. I also understand that fame or status can skew a romantic relationship.
Some might say this message is complex, in a society where everything is black and white. In reality, it's simple: I have never forced a woman. And I have never intended to hurt her.
And if I have offended anyone, I sincerely regret it.
For weeks, several voices have been calling for my condemnation in the public square, without a trial, as if the plurality of accusations were enough to establish a truth.
It will be up to the Justice system, in which I have complete confidence, to shed full light on these accusations; it has already done so in the past.
I will fight before her to defend the truth. I will defend myself, for those who support me, for my family, for my team, for my friends, for my public with whom I have a loyal and unwavering bond, for all those who refuse to let our society renounce its most fundamental principles: the presumption of innocence, the right to a fair investigation, and Justice.
During this time, I will continue to do my job, with the same dedication and passion.
Patrick
