French singer and actor Patrick Bruel was taken into police custody on Monday as part of an investigation into complaints of sexual violence filed against him, the Nanterre public prosecutor’s office said in a statement, confirming a report by franceinfo (source in French).
Questioned at the offices of the 1st district of the judicial police in Paris, the 67-year-old singer will have to explain himself to investigators about the allegations newly brought to the attention of the judicial authorities, which are now being handled by the Nanterre prosecutor’s office.
Among the complaints are those filed by Daniela Elstner for attempted rape and sexual assault in 1997 in Acapulco, by a culture journalist over an attempted rape in 2000 in Monaco, by an employee of Patrick Bruel’s record label for two sexual assaults in 2002 and 2003, a complaint lodged in Metz concerning events dating back to 2008, and a complaint for rape in 2012 during a film festival in Dinard.
The rape complaint with a civil-party application filed by presenter Flavie Flament will not be addressed, nor will the complaints already known to the Nanterre prosecutor’s office.
Police custody can last up to 48 hours. Patrick Bruel, who remains presumed innocent and firmly disputes the allegations, may be released or brought before a magistrate.
The last five performances of the play in which the actor is appearing in Paris have been cancelled.
Patrick Bruel has also announced the cancellation of most of his forthcoming tour, which was due to start in mid-June. His three shows in Montreal have been cancelled by the local organiser. He has also withdrawn from the Enfoirés troupe.