The French chanteur Patrick Bruel, 65, is now the subject of a formal rape investigation. Paris prosecutors confirmed the probe this morning. It follows a complaint lodged in December.
The singer, known for hits like 'Casser la voix', has been placed under the status of 'mise en examen' – the French equivalent of being formally charged. He is suspected of raping a woman in 2023. The alleged victim is a 40-year-old woman, who claims the attack occurred in a Paris apartment.
Bruel's lawyer, Maître Olivier Baratelli, said his client 'categorically denies the accusations' and is 'confident of being cleared'.
But here is the twist. The Metropolitan Police are watching. Scotland Yard confirmed they are in contact with French authorities. The reason? The alleged victim is a British national. She reported the crime in London before the case was transferred to Paris.
This puts the Met in an awkward position. They have no jurisdiction in France. Yet they are now holding evidence provided by the complainant. Expect a formal request for cross-border cooperation under the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
Whitehall sources say the Home Office is 'monitoring the situation closely'. There is nervousness about how this might play out. Bruel is a cultural icon in France. A conviction would be seismic. An acquittal would be controversial too.
The case has already exposed tensions between the two legal systems. French law allows for 'mise en examen' at an earlier stage than British charging decisions. Critics say this can prejudice proceedings. Supporters argue it protects victims.
Bruel is due to appear before an investigating magistrate in Paris next week. He remains free but is forbidden from contacting the alleged victim.
This is a developing story. More to follow.
For now, the key question is: will the Met hand over their evidence to Paris? That decision rests with the Crown Prosecution Service. They are expected to decide within days.
