French singer Patrick Bruel has been placed under formal investigation for rape, sources confirm. The 63-year-old entertainer, known for hits like "Casser la voix"
and "Place des grands hommes," is accused of sexual assault by a woman who alleges the incident took place in 2019.
The Paris prosecutor's office opened a preliminary inquiry after the complaint was filed in September 2020. Bruel's lawyer denies the allegations, calling them "slanderous accusations."
The investigation was elevated to a formal inquiry, a step that under French law allows the examining magistrate to decide whether sufficient evidence exists for a trial. Bruel has not been detained but is subject to judicial oversight. The case adds to a growing list of high-profile French figures facing sexual assault allegations amid the #MeToo movement.
Bruel, a prolific actor and singer, has sold over 15 million records and recently starred in Netflix series "Marianne." His legal team said they will prove his innocence.
