The artist is accused by more than twenty women of sexual violence. Indicted in four cases from 2018–2019, he avoided pre-trial detention sought by prosecutors.
French singer Patrick Bruel, subject of several sexual violence complaints from women and has been placed under formal investigation in four cases concerning alleged acts, was released but placed under judicial supervision after 48 hours in police custody.
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These alleged crimes are said to have been committed between the years 2008 and 2019. The artist has also been given an assisted-witness status in four other cases.
"Formal charges against Mr. Patrick Bruel had been envisaged in nine case files. Of these nine, the investigating judges decided to place him under formal investigation in four of them. In another four case files, the investigating judges decided to grant Mr. Bruel the status of an assisted witness. As for the final case, the statute of limitations had expired, and it was therefore not examined," his lawyer, Fanny Colin, said.
The liberties and detention judge at the Nanterre court did not grant the prosecution's request to place the artist in pre-trial detention.
As part of his judicial supervision, Bruel is not allowed to leave French territory. He is also prohibited from contacting the plaintiffs and their relatives, from going to their homes, or from visiting massage parlours.
The artist must also provide proof that he is receiving psychological counselling and post bail of 500 000 euros.
The prosecution now has ten days to appeal this decision.
An icon of French chanson, Patrick Bruel was due to start a summer festival tour with nearly 15 dates. The singer has now cancelled all his concerts until next September.
