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France Reopens 2015 Rape Case Involving Patrick Bruel as Officials Urge Victims to Report

The actions signal a broader push to pursue older sex-crime allegations with clear public backing for survivors.

Overview

  • Prosecutors reopened an investigation into an alleged 2015 rape reported by musician Ophélie Fajfer, whose lawyer said she visited Bruel’s holiday home seeking career advice.
  • The Nanterre prosecutor’s office is also examining three separate rape complaints tied to 1997, 2000, and 2008.
  • A separate inquiry is under way in Belgium after a complaint of sexual assault involving the French singer and actor.
  • Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon urged women to report sexual violence even decades later and said the courts must determine the facts.
  • Bruel denied wrongdoing in a post on Instagram, while news outlets differ on the number of accusers, with Franceinfo citing up to about 30 and Mediapart reporting roughly eight.