French singer Patrick Brunel is facing multiple allegations of rape, attempted rape, and sexual assault from at least 13 women, the Nanterre prosecutor's office announced on Tuesday. The 67-year-old star, one of France's most renowned musicians, is under judicial investigation following the Me Too movement.
Investigation Details
After two days in custody in the Parisian suburb of Nanterre, Brunel appeared before a panel of four judges on Wednesday. They upheld the state prosecutor's request to investigate him for several counts of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, and harassment. The singer denies all allegations.
An examining magistrate will further probe the charges, with Brunel's lawyers gaining access to the prosecution file. Under French law, rape is defined as "any non-consensual act of penetration." The investigation began after three women accused Brunel of sexual assault and attempted rape allegedly committed in 1997, 2000, and 2001.
Additional Complaints
During the investigation, more women were identified and interviewed, reporting allegations of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, and harassment. Separately, a probe into an alleged 2012 rape in Dinard, Brittany, was transferred to Nanterre. Belgian authorities also notified French prosecutors of a woman accusing Brunel of rape and sexual assault in Brussels in 2010.
Brunel's lawyers, Christophe Ingrain, Céline Lasek, and Fanny Colin, stated that the singer has been "available to the judicial authorities" to respond through proper legal proceedings. French judicial authorities may file preliminary charges or release him by day's end.
Media Reports and Career Impact
Recent media reports, notably by French investigative site Mediapart, highlighted decades of allegations from multiple women, prompting additional complaints. Brunel's last Paris performances were canceled, along with several tour dates across France, Belgium, Switzerland, and Canada.
He previously faced complaints for sexual harassment, closed in 2020 due to lack of evidence. In May, Mediapart reported around 30 women made similar claims, many at film locations or off-stage at music venues. According to French media, Brunel told his entourage, "I may have been heavy-handed... But I always took no for an answer." On Instagram, he stated he never "forced myself on a woman" or used his fame to abuse.
If you have been a victim of sexual assault, help is available at www.rapecrisis.org.uk or by calling 0808 802 9999.
