French singer and actor Patrick Bruel was taken into police custody after two new rape complaints were filed against him.
The Nanterre prosecutor’s office announced that Bruel will remain in custody for an additional 24 hours. He has been questioned since Monday morning at the Paris Police Prefecture’s judicial unit, where prosecutors are handling all proceedings related to the singer.
Bruel’s detention is slated to end Wednesday morning.
The 67‑year‑old is a prominent figure in French pop culture, with several top‑selling albums and more than 40 film appearances.
Three women have accused Bruel of sexual assault and attempted rape in 1997, 2000 and 2001, according to the prosecutor’s office. Other allegations of assault, harassment and rape are also under investigation.
Two additional rape complaints—filed on 27 May and 3 June—were described by the complainants’ lawyer.
Mediapart reports that the new accusers include former beauty‑queen Florima Treiber, who claims Bruel raped her in April 2008, and a physiotherapist named Séverine, who alleges a rape in May 2000.
Pursuant to French law, the police may detain Bruel for up to 48 hours. He denies all allegations; his lawyers stated that he would fully cooperate with investigators and provide all evidence required to prove his innocence.
Bruel has cancelled most of his upcoming tour, which was scheduled to commence in Paris this month.
He is the most recent high‑profile French entertainer to face sexual‑assault claims, following the sentencing of actor Gérard Depardieu for a separate case last year.
(FRANCE 24 with AFP)
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