French singer and actor Patrick Bruel was placed in police custody on Monday as investigators questioned him over sexual violence allegations involving 13 alleged victims, the Nanterre prosecutor’s office said.
Bruel, 67, one of France’s best known popular music and film figures, is being questioned after two new rape complaints were filed on May 27 and June 3, according to lawyers for the complainants.
The investigation includes allegations by three women who accuse Bruel of sexual assault and attempted rape in incidents dating to 1997, 2000 and 2001. Prosecutors said other alleged victims have also reported rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and harassment in France and Belgium.
Mediapart reported that the two new complaints were filed by former beauty queen Florima Treiber, who accuses Bruel of raping her in April 2008, and a physiotherapist identified as Séverine, who reported an alleged rape in May 2000.
Bruel denies all allegations. His lawyers said he would answer investigators’ questions and provide evidence to establish his innocence.
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