Patrick Bruel faces two new sexual assault complaints in France

French singer and actor Patrick Bruel, 67, was released from police custody on judicial control after a 48‑hour detention and placed under strict restrictions, including a €500,000 bail, a ban on leaving France and contact with alleged victims. On 12 June, the Nanterre judicial court received two additional criminal complaints. The first alleges an attempted rape and sexual assault in October 2007 at the La Réunion film festival, which Bruen sponsored. The second concerns a rape and sexual assault that allegedly occurred in May 2012. These complaints add to existing investigations that already have Bruel formally examined in four cases (rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and harassment) and listed as a “witness‑assisted” in four other matters, while about a dozen further complaints are considered time‑prescribed. Bruel denies all accusations and his lawyers state he will cooperate with the authorities. Prosecutors and the victims’ lawyers say testimonies are continuing to increase and further developments are expected as the investigation proceeds.