Patrick Bruel faces new sexual abuse accusations in France

Two women have lodged fresh sexual‑abuse complaints against 67‑year‑old French pop star Patrick Bruel. One alleges an attempted rape and sexual assault at a film festival on Réunion Island in 2007; the other claims she was raped and assaulted in 2012. Bruel, a prominent figure in French music and cinema, denies all wrongdoing.

French judges have formally charged him with rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and harassment in four cases—three occurring in France and one in Belgium—and he remains under judicial control, meaning he cannot leave French territory. Investigations are also ongoing into additional alleged offenses dating back to the 1990s. The latest accusations come amid a broader wave of high‑profile #MeToo‑related probes in France, following similar legal action against actor Gérard Depardieu.