French singer and actor Patrick Bruel has been detained for questioning as part of a sexual violence investigation. The 67-year-old artist is suspected of sexual assault, rape, or attempted rape. This was reported by Yle, according to UNN.
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According to media reports, 13 women have brought allegations against Bruel. Investigators are examining episodes that, according to them, may have occurred between 1997 and 2019. The prosecutor's office launched an official investigation in April of this year.
Earlier, Mediapart reported on the testimony of eight women who accused the artist of sexual harassment. Bruel himself denies all allegations. Despite the investigation, he continued to perform, but later canceled all concerts until September.
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Patrick Bruel is one of France's most famous performers. Throughout his career, he has released numerous music albums and starred in dozens of films. According to The New York Times, the decision to cancel performances was made after feminist activists disrupted a theatrical production in which he was participating.
The Bruel case has become another high-profile investigation in the French cultural sphere amid increased attention to the problem of sexual violence. Previously in France, actor Gérard Depardieu and director Christophe Ruggia were convicted in similar cases.