Patrick Bruel Faces New Allegations of Sexual Violence
Singer and actor Patrick Bruel is facing renewed scrutiny following allegations of sexual violence spanning from 1992 to 2019. Two formal complaints have been filed against the artist – one for rape and another for attempted rape – as revealed by reports from Mediapart on March 18, 2026. Bruel has denied the allegations through his lawyer.
Details of the Complaints
One complaint alleges a rape occurred in October 2012 during the Dinard British Film Festival in Brittany. The alleged victim filed the complaint in September 2024, twelve years after the alleged incident. An investigation is currently underway in Saint-Malo, though Bruel has not yet been questioned by investigators.
The second, more recent complaint was filed on March 12, 2026, concerning events that allegedly took place in November 1997 during a film festival in Acapulco, Mexico. Daniela Elstner, the current general director of Unifrance, alleges she was sexually assaulted by Bruel in a car and subsequently in a bungalow, including an attempted rape. Elstner stated she is speaking out now “for myself and for everyone else,” according to Closer Magazine.
Eight Women Accuse Bruel of Sexual Violence
Beyond the two formal complaints, Mediapart’s investigation details accusations from a total of eight women, alleging sexual violence between 1992 and 2019. The accusations include unwanted touching, imposed kisses, insistent proposals, and more severe assaults. One accuser claims to have been a minor at the time of the alleged incident.
Bruel’s Response
Patrick Bruel, through his lawyer Christophe Ingrain, vehemently denies all allegations. Ingrain stated that Bruel “never sought to force anyone into a sexual act, never overstepped a refusal, never forced a gesture or sexual intercourse,” and criticized the Mediapart article as creating a “character and a system which have never existed.” He also noted that courts have previously ruled on some of the alleged incidents. Entrevue.fr reports that Bruel’s defense argues that the allegations are an attempt to revisit settled legal debates.
Support for Accusers
Following the revelations, actress and director Andréa Bescond expressed support for the women who came forward, posting on Instagram: “Strength to you sisters.” Her message received support from several other figures in the French entertainment industry, including actresses Alexandra Lamy, Enora Malagré, and Anouchka Delon.
Previous Accusations
This is not the first time Bruel has faced accusations of sexual misconduct. In 2019, five masseuses accused him of sexual assault, sexual exhibitionism, or harassment. However, the two complaints filed in that case were dismissed.