Karine Viseur, a Belgian press officer, stated on RTL radio on Thursday that she had filed a complaint in Belgium against Patrick Bruel for sexual assault, concerning events she places in 2010 during a promotional tour. This is the third complaint filed against the artist in just a few days.
On RTL, Karine Viseur explained that she was working for a film distributor at the time and accompanying Patrick Bruel on the promotional tour for the film "Comme les cinq doigts de la main" (Like the Five Fingers of the Hand), in which he played one of the main roles. She was 38 years old at the time of the alleged events.
An accusation relating to a promotional event in 2010
Speaking to RTL, Karine Viseur first described what she presented as verbal and physical harassment during promotional trips. She reported this statement attributed to the singer: "It's nice to be with a young press officer, especially one who's pretty."and asserts that"He had this need to be in constant physical contact with me."
According to her testimony, the situation worsened at the RTBF offices in Brussels. The passage she most directly implicates is this one: "He locked me in the bathroom and tried to kiss me." Le Parisien also reports that she mentions being touched and caressed under her dress, while maintaining that she said "Not permanently."
Karine Viseur also claims to have already attempted legal action at the time, before withdrawing it. On RTL, she explains that in 2010 she didn't feel capable, "physically and emotionally"to go all the way. She adds today: "I need to speak out. It's more than time for all of this to stop."
Eight testimonies recorded, including two other complaints in France
This new statement follows the investigation published by Mediapart on March 18, which brings together the accounts of eight women accusing Patrick Bruel of acts ranging from 1992 to 2019. Two of these women have filed complaints, one for rape, the other for attempted rape and sexual assault.
A rape complaint was filed in Saint-Malo for events reported at the Dinard British Film Festival in 2012, while another complaint was filed in Paris by Daniela Elstner for attempted rape and sexual assault concerning events dating back to 1997 at the Acapulco French Film Festival.
Patrick Bruel's defense team denies all the accusations.
Patrick Bruel categorically denies the reported allegations. His lawyer, Christophe Ingrain, stated that his client "claims to have never overruled a refusal, never forced anyone into a sexual act or relationship".
