Versailles Court Upholds Patrick Bruel’s Permission to Travel Abroad Amid Sexual Assault Cases

Patrick Bruel, 67, has been formally investigated for four distinct incidents: a 2008 rape in Neuilly-sur-Seine, a 2010 attempted rape in Brussels, a 2019 sexual assault and harassment case in Perpignan, and a 2019 harassment case in Ajaccio. He also carries the status of assisted witness in four additional investigations. Initially, the Versailles prosecutor requested pre-trial detention, yet the judge opted for judicial control, imposing obligations such as surrendering his passport and avoiding contact with victims.

On 21 July, the judge eased these restrictions to permit Bruel to travel outside France, a move the prosecutor immediately appealed as unjustified. The Versailles Court of Appeal confirmed the eased conditions, a ruling that victims’ lawyers denounced as incomprehensible. Bruel’s defense maintains he poses no flight risk and rejects claims of preferential treatment. New accusations have surfaced this summer, including a complaint filed by a lawyer on behalf of a very young adult victim.