Patrick Bruel remains under investigation. Placed in police custody Monday morningThe 67-year-old singer and actor had his detention extended for another 24 hours on Tuesday, as part of a sexual assault investigation being conducted under the authority of the Nanterre prosecutor's office. The hearing concerns allegations involving, at this stage, 13 presumed victims.
Custody can last up to 48 hours
Patrick Bruel is being questioned at the Paris police headquarters' criminal investigation department. His custody, which began Monday morning, can now be extended for up to 48 hours. This extension allows investigators to continue questioning him on all the charges related to the case.
Rape, attempted rape and sexual assault
The investigation initially focused on the allegations of three women accusing Patrick Bruel of sexual assault and attempted rape, which allegedly occurred in 1997, 2000 and 2001. The investigation also examined other allegations made by women identified during the proceedings: rape or attempted rape, sexual assault and harassment, in France and Belgium.
The Nanterre prosecutor's office centralizes the proceedings
The case is now centered in Nanterre. Among the evidence being examined is a rape allegation made in Dinard in 2012, initially handled by the Saint-Malo prosecutor's office before it was removed from the case at the end of May. Patrick Bruel is also to be questioned about an official complaint from Belgian authorities, following a 2010 complaint alleging rape and sexual assault in Brussels.
Two new complaints filed
Two new rape complaints were also filed against Patrick Bruel on May 27 and June 3. They are to be examined by the Nanterre prosecutor's office, which is centralizing the proceedings. These complaints add to a series of allegations against the singer over the past several weeks.
The singer denies the accusations
Patrick Bruel denies the charges against him. His lawyers state that he has been available to answer questions from the authorities for several weeks. They indicate that he will respond to investigators' questions and provide evidence that, according to them, will prove his innocence.
Patrick Bruel has already cancelled several concerts scheduled in France and Canada. Summer performances and dates in Montreal have been removed from the calendar.
