Patrick Bruel, the renowned French singer and actor, has been taken into police custody as authorities investigate sexual assault allegations from 13 alleged victims. The 67-year-old entertainer, a prominent figure in French pop culture with numerous top-selling albums and over 40 film appearances, is facing questioning in Nanterre, a western Paris suburb, according to a statement from the prosecutor's office.
Allegations Span Decades
Three women have accused Bruel of sexual assault and attempted rape in incidents dating back to 1997, 2000, and 2001, prosecutors said. Additionally, other victims have reported sexual assaults, harassment, and rapes, which are also under investigation. Two new rape complaints were filed on May 27 and June 3, as confirmed by the complainants' lawyer to Agence France-Presse on Monday.
Bruel Denies All Claims
Bruel denies all allegations. His lawyers issued a statement asserting that he will "answer all the investigators' questions and will provide all the elements necessary to demonstrate his innocence." Police can hold him for questioning for up to 48 hours. In light of the investigation, Bruel has cancelled most of his upcoming tour, which was scheduled to begin in Paris this month.
Part of a Broader Trend
Bruel is the latest in a series of French film and music celebrities to face sexual assault allegations. Notably, film legend Gérard Depardieu was sentenced to 18 months in prison last year, with his appeal set to be heard in November. This case adds to ongoing discussions about sexual misconduct in the French entertainment industry.
Agence France-Presse contributed to this report.
