French singer and actor Patrick Bruel in custody over sexual violence allegations

Published on

08/06/2026 - 10:02 GMT+2

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

Questioned at the headquarters of the 1st district of the judicial police in Paris, the 67-year-old singer will have to explain to investigators the facts newly brought to the attention of the judiciary, which are now being handled by the Nanterre public 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 for 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 over acts dating back to 2008 and a complaint for rape in 2012 during a film festival in Dinard.

The complaint with a civil party application for rape filed by TV presenter Flavie Flament will not be examined, nor will the complaints that the Nanterre public prosecutor’s office was already aware of.

Police custody can last for up to 48 hours. Patrick Bruel, who remains presumed innocent and firmly denies 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 that most of his upcoming tour, which was due to start in mid-June, has been cancelled. His three dates in Montreal have been called off by the local organiser. He has also withdrawn from the Enfoirés troupe.