French singer Patrick Bruel charged with multiple rape and sexual assault offences

French singer and actor Patrick Bruel, 67, is at the centre of a large‑scale investigation into alleged rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and harassment. Prosecutors in Nanterre have opened four cases covering alleged incidents from 1992 to 2019, and have added 13 further complaints that may be time‑barred but are being recorded. Bruel was held for about 48 hours before being released on strict bail conditions: a €500,000 guarantee, a passport surrender, a ban on leaving France, prohibition of contact with alleged victims or their families, and a ban on entering certain massage salons. He has publicly denied any wrongdoing. The case is part of France’s broader #MeToo wave that has already led to prosecutions of other high‑profile figures.