Since the publication of the investigation Mediapart last March, the accusations against Patrick Bruel continued to grow. Several women have denounced acts of rape, sexual assault or even sexual harassment, some dating back to the 1990s. Among them is the host Flavie Flament, who chose to file a complaint after making her testimony public. In total, several procedures were opened and the 67-year-old artist was indicted in four cases. Other cases are still under investigation, while new complaints could be added in the coming weeks.
Despite the seriousness of the facts with which he is accused, Patrick Bruel benefits from the presumption of innocence. Placed under judicial control, he must respect several obligations, in particular the ban on leaving French territory, coming into contact with the complainants or even visiting massage parlors. A bail of 500,000 euros was also imposed on him, as well as psychological monitoring.
How has Patrick Bruel felt since his indictment?
After two days in police custody and several hours of hearing before the magistrates, the singer would have welcomed with relief the possibility of making his version of the facts heard. His lawyers now have the entire file in order to prepare his defense. Invited on BFMTV, his lawyer Fanny Colin described her client’s state of mind after his release. According to her, Patrick Bruel believes he has finally had the opportunity to respond to the accusations made against him.
She reports thus: “He tells us that he is happy to have been able to express himself, that he is happy to return home. Above all, he is relieved to be able to be heard for his explanations. He answered all the questions.” Still according to the defense, the artist firmly contests all the facts with which he is accused. Since his return to Neuilly, however, his neighbors claim to have no longer seen him, a sign of a life that is now particularly discreet while the investigation continues.
A mess of testimonies
BFM TV collected testimony from relatives of certain complainants. Among them is Patrick Tamine, former husband of Karine Viseur, the singer’s former press secretary. He recounts a scene that would have deeply marked him during a professional trip made with Patrick Bruel and several members of his team. According to his account, while his wife was sitting in the back of the vehicle, the singer would have launched : “Karine, when we get to the hotel, maybe we can take the opportunity to treat ourselves.” Patrick Tamine claims to have been immediately shocked by these comments.
He also remembers the intervention of a colleague present in the car, who reacted by declaring: “Patrick, Molo, I remind you that it’s her husband at the wheel.” According to him, Patrick Bruel would then have responded: “I’m not talking to you about having a beautiful wedding, I’m talking to you about two adults having fun”. Statements that the former husband describes as particularly disturbing and which are added to the numerous testimonies collected over several months in the context of this affair.
