Patrick Bruel, 67, was brought before a judge on Wednesday after being taken into custody on Monday morning at the premises of the first district of the judicial police in Paris. This custody, extended by 24 hours on TuesdayThis follows an investigation into sexual violence involving several incidents reported over a long period. The Nanterre prosecutor's office is requesting a judicial investigation and the indictment of the singer for rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment. It is also requesting his pretrial detention.
Thirteen alleged victims have been mentioned so far.
The investigation, at this stage, focuses on allegations concerning 13 alleged victims. The inquiry specifically targets the complaints of three women accusing Patrick Bruel of sexual assault and attempted rape, reportedly committed in 1997, 2000, and 2001. Other matters under examination include accusations of rape or attempted rape, sexual assault, and sexual harassment, identified during the course of the investigation. Among the evidence in the case is the complaint of a rape in Dinard in 2012 by a woman who was 32 years old at the time.
A Belgian aspect to the case
Patrick Bruel must also answer to an official complaint forwarded by the Belgian authorities. It concerns a complaint of rape and sexual assault that allegedly took place in Brussels in 2010, targeting a woman who was then 40 years old.
Pre-trial detention has been requested, but a decision has not yet been made.
The prosecutor's request does not automatically lead to detention. At this stage, it is merely a request. The investigating judges must first decide whether to formally charge him. If charges are brought, the question of judicial supervision or pretrial detention will be examined subsequently by the competent magistrates. Pretrial detention, if ordered, would be a crucial step in this case. However, no final decision has yet been announced regarding the singer's imprisonment.
Patrick Bruel denies the charges against him. His lawyers have indicated that he intends to answer investigators' questions and provide any evidence he deems necessary for his defense.
