French Minister Aurore Bergé was interviewed on RTL on Tuesday morning by Thomas Sotto about the Patrick Bruel case. When asked if she would sign a petition in favor of canceling the singer’s shows, Bergé replied that it was his right to perform, as well as the right of producers and the French public to attend or not. However, she also made it clear that she does not consider herself a fan and would not go see his play “Deuxième partie” by Samuel Benchetrit at the Théâtre Edouard VII in Paris.
Context: Aurore Bergé was asked about her stance on the Patrick Bruel case and whether she would support canceling his shows. Fact Check: Aurore Bergé emphasized the singer’s right to perform but distanced herself from being a fan.
In the background of the interview, Bergé defended the concept of the rule of law, emphasizing both the presumption of innocence for the singer and the importance of respecting the voices of the eighteen women who have accused him of sexual assault and rape. Two lawsuits are currently underway in France, one for rape in Saint-Malo dating back to October 2012, and another for attempted rape and sexual assault in Mexico in 1997. Additionally, a third investigation has been opened in Belgium following an assault complaint in Brussels.
Context: Aurore Bergé defended the rule of law regarding the accusations against Patrick Bruel. Fact Check: Multiple legal proceedings are ongoing in the cases of sexual assault and rape allegations against Patrick Bruel.
Meanwhile, Patrick Bruel, through his lawyer Christophe Ingrain, denied trying to coerce anyone into sexual acts or disregarding refusals. The singer continues his 35th-anniversary tour “Alors Regarde 35” with 57 dates in 48 cities in France and abroad. This decision prompted the feminist collective Salon Feministe to launch a petition signed by various personalities and associations, urging the singer to step back during the legal process to avoid further publicity that may impact the accusers.
Context: Patrick Bruel responded to the accusations through his lawyer and continued his concert tour. Fact Check: A petition was initiated by the Salon Feministe collective calling for Patrick Bruel to step back from the spotlight to support the ongoing legal investigations.
