Several legal proceedings against Patrick Bruel are underway in France and Belgium regarding accusations of sexual violence. The singer is facing twelve complaints, including one filed in Belgium, according to information from investigations and testimonies reported by the press. The accusers allege presumed acts of rape, sexual assault, and attempted rape, dating back several years. The singer is also implicated by around thirty women in investigations published by Mediapart and Elle. Among the testimonies is one from journalist and presenter Flavie Flament, who accuses the artist of rape when she was a minor, accusations that Patrick Bruel denies.
A decision made by the city of Liège
The city of Liège has officially announced the suspension of the honorary citizenship awarded to Patrick Bruel. On Friday, May 22, the mayor of the city, Willy Demeyer, stated that he had “decided to suspend the status of honorary citizen” of the singer. Speaking to RTBF, the elected official clarifies that the decision constitutes a suspension and not a withdrawal, “pending developments in the case and in respect of the presumption of innocence,” adding, “depending on the evolution, we will see what happens.” He also indicates that this decision was made in agreement with his communal colleagues.
Willy Demeyer also emphasizes to RTL Info that “the city of Liège has always been particularly attentive to respecting women and the presumption of innocence.” The decision comes after an interpellation from the DéFI group in the province of Liège, which had sent a letter to local authorities. In the letter, the elected officials argue that “when a city publicly honors a person facing serious accusations, it sends a political signal,” also questioning “the coherence between the values displayed by Liège and the symbols it chooses.”
Controversial concerts
This situation arises as Patrick Bruel is set to resume his concert tour soon. The singer is scheduled to kick off his new tour on June 16 with three dates at Cirque d’Hiver in Paris, followed by a series of performances in several French cities, as well as in Switzerland and Belgium. Among the announced events are the Bastogne Summer Festival and a concert in Forest, in the Brussels-Capital region. In this context, the mayor of Forest, Charles Spapens, called on May 21 for the cancellation of the singer’s concerts, urging the artist or organizers to take responsibility. This stance aligns with those of several French mayors who have already made similar requests in their municipalities in recent weeks.
