French singer Patrick Bruel in police custody over alleged rape and sexual assault

During the investigation, additional women were identified and interviewed. They reported allegations of rape or attempted rape, sexual assault and harassment, according to the statement. Separately, an investigation opened in western France over an alleged rape in 2012 in Dinard, in the Brittany region, was transferred to the Nanterre prosecutor’s office.

Belgian authorities also formally notified French prosecutors earlier this month of allegations by a woman who accused Bruel of rape and sexual assault allegedly committed in Brussels in 2010, according to the statement.

Patrick Bruel’s lawyers, Christophe Ingrain, Céline Lasek and Fanny Colin said in a statement the singer has indicated for several weeks “he was available to the judicial authorities so that he could finally respond through the proper legal proceedings.”

French judicial authorities could either file preliminary charges against Bruel or release him free of charges by the end of the day.

In recent weeks, a series of media reports, notably by French investigative website Mediapart, brought into public attention allegations by multiple women running over decades against Bruel, prompting additional complaints to be filed.

Disclaimer: This report covers ongoing legal proceedings and serious criminal allegations involving a public figure. As this case is currently under investigation and involves unverified allegations, this content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute a finding of guilt or professional legal advice.