In recent weeks, many women have accused Patrick Bruel of sexual violence, leading to the opening of several judicial investigations in France and abroad. On Friday, May 15, one of them, who had previously testified anonymously to Mediapart under the pseudonym “Eva,” decided to speak out publicly. This person is Flavie Flament, who, to the investigative media, accuses the 67-year-old singer of rape. The alleged incidents date back to 1991, in the artist’s Paris apartment, when she was only 16 years old and starting her career after being discovered in the Miss OK Podium competition.
On Wednesday, May 13, Flavie Flament officially filed a rape complaint, hoping that multiple testimonies will allow the justice system to examine her case despite the potential statute of limitations. In this context, the Paris prosecutor ordered the consolidation of different complaints filed nationally. Additionally, a separate investigation has been opened in Belgium following another report.
On Monday, May 18, Flavie Flament decided to give a video interview to Mediapart to recount the rape she allegedly experienced at the hands of Patrick Bruel. By speaking out, the former Stars at Home presenter aims to amplify the voices of other women. She recalls going to Patrick Bruel’s home after a photoshoot for a magazine. Flament vividly remembers certain details of the evening that she cannot forget, leading to her decision to share her story publicly.
Flavie Flament also vividly recalls key moments surrounding the incident and how she felt during and after. In Patrick Bruel’s response published on Instagram on Sunday, May 17, he disputes Flavie Flament’s accusations, stating that their encounter took place in the early 1990s when his career was established while she was just starting hers. He describes their relationship as a “brief story” and denies any violent, coercive, or deceptive aspects to it. Bruel also refutes specific details of Flavie Flament’s account, claiming that he never mistreated or abandoned her. He questions why Flament is now sharing a “different and sordid” story after years of encounters. Bruel asserts his commitment to fundamental societal principles like the presumption of innocence and the right to a fair investigation and justice.
