French singer and actor Patrick Bruel, 67, has been taken into police custody in Nanterre, Paris, following multiple sexual assault allegations, including two new rape complaints filed on 27 May and 3 June. The prosecutor's office confirmed that Bruel is being questioned regarding 13 victims, with allegations spanning from 1997 to 2001.
Three women have accused Bruel of sexual assault and attempted rape, while other victims have reported sexual assaults, harassment, and rapes. Bruel denies all allegations, and his lawyers stated he will cooperate fully with investigators to demonstrate his innocence.
Police can hold Bruel for questioning for up to 48 hours. He has cancelled most of his upcoming tour, which was due to start in Paris this month. Bruel is a major figure in French pop culture, with multiple top-selling albums and over 40 film appearances.
He is the latest in a series of French celebrities facing sexual assault claims, following actor Gérard Depardieu, who was sentenced to 18 months in prison last year.
