Patrick Bruel Faces Multiple Sexual Assault Accusations

French singer and actor Patrick Bruel is facing mounting accusations of sexual assault, with eight women coming forward with allegations spanning from 1992 to 2019. Two of the women have filed formal complaints with the police: one for rape and another for attempted rape.

Unifrance Director Files Complaint

Daniela Elstner, the managing director of Unifrance, filed a police complaint against Bruel on March 12, alleging attempted rape and sexual assault. The complaint details an incident that allegedly occurred at a film festival in Acapulco, Mexico, in 1997, when Elstner was a young assistant at Unifrance [Deadline]. She publicly revealed she had been sexually assaulted earlier in her career in a 2017 interview [Deadline].

Second Rape Complaint Filed

A second complaint for rape has been lodged against Bruel, alleging an incident that took place in 2012 at the Dinard British Film Festival, where he served as president of the jury [Variety]. Prosecutors in Saint-Malo have initiated a formal investigation into this claim, which was originally made in September 2024 [Variety].

Bruel Denies Allegations

Patrick Bruel, through his lawyer Christophe Ingrain, denies all allegations. He maintains that he “never rejected a refusal” and “never forced anyone into a sexual act or relationship” [Variety].

Public Reactions and Further Testimonies

The accusations have sparked a public outcry, with several French celebrities expressing support for the women who have come forward. Director and actress Andréa Bescond publicly accused Bruel of inappropriate behavior and stated she boycotted him at a festival in 2022 [Yahoo]. Actresses Alexandra Lamy and Anouchka Delon also voiced their support online [Yahoo]. Additional testimonies have surfaced online, with individuals recounting alleged incidents in spas and ski resorts, including claims of unwanted advances towards a 15-year-traditional girl [Yahoo].

Investigation Ongoing

The investigations into the allegations against Patrick Bruel are ongoing. Mediapart, the French investigative news website that initially reported the accusations, has been covering the case extensively [Mediapart].