Patrick Bruel Faces Rape Inquiry Amid Multiple Accusations

French singer and actor Patrick Bruel is under formal investigation for rape, with prosecutors confirming a probe into allegations dating back to 2012. This comes as multiple women have come forward with accusations of sexual violence spanning decades.

New Investigation Launched in Saint-Malo

Prosecutors in the Brittany town of Saint-Malo have initiated a formal investigation into a complaint made in September 2024, alleging that Bruel raped a woman during the British film festival in Dinard in October 2012, when he served as jury chairman .

Additional Complaint Filed by Unifrance Director

Daniela Elstner, the Director General of Unifrance, has filed a separate complaint alleging attempted rape and sexual assault. This complaint concerns an alleged incident at a French film festival in Acapulco, Mexico, in November 1997, when Elstner was an assistant at Unifrance .

Multiple Accusations Surface

Investigative news website Mediapart has reported accounts from six other individuals alleging sexual assault by Bruel between 1992 and 2019 . One of the accusers claims she was 15 years old at the time of the alleged incident .

Bruel Denies Allegations

Patrick Bruel, through his lawyer Christophe Ingrain, maintains his innocence, stating he “never rejected a refusal (to have sex), never forced anyone into a sexual act or relationship” . Ingrain too noted that courts previously dismissed investigations related to complaints made by two massage therapists in 2020 .

Previous Investigations

Bruel has faced prior inquiries, including one in Switzerland regarding exhibitionism and sexual harassment, which was dropped in 2008 . A similar case revealed in 2019 was also closed without further action in December 2020 .

As of March 19, 2026, Patrick Bruel remains presumed innocent.