Patrick Bruel in police custody over alleged sexual violence

Published on 08/06/2026 - 10:02 GMT+2•Updated 10:05

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French singer and actor Patrick Bruel was taken into police custody on Monday as part of the complaints of sexual violence filed against him, according to information from franceinfo (source in French).

Questioned at the 1st district of the judicial police in Paris, the 67-year-old singer will have to explain himself to investigators about the incidents recently brought to the attention of the judicial authorities, which are now being handled by the public prosecutor’s office in Nanterre.

Among the complaints are those of Daniela Elstner for attempted rape and sexual assault in 1997 in Acapulco; of a culture journalist for an attempted rape in 2000 in Monaco; of an employee of Patrick Bruel’s label for two sexual assaults in 2002 and 2003; a complaint filed in Metz over acts dating back to 2008; and a complaint for rape in 2012 during a film festival in Dinard.

The criminal complaint with a civil-party application for rape filed by presenter Flavie Flament will not be addressed, nor will the complaints already known to the Nanterre public prosecutor’s office.

Police custody can last up to 48 hours. Patrick Bruel, who remains presumed innocent and firmly contests the accusations, may either 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 next tour, which was due to start in mid-June. His three dates in Montreal have been cancelled by the local organiser. He has also withdrawn from the troupe Les Enfoirés.