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Patrick Bruel Faces 31 Complaints After New Attempted-Rape Filing

If judges accept plaintiffs' seriality arguments, time limits on older allegations could be paused and more cases may move forward.

Overview

  • Plaintiffs' counsel announced on Wednesday that a new complaint for attempted rape was filed this summer and said the total number of complaints now stands at 31.
  • Bruel was placed under formal investigation in mid-June and had restrictions lifted by the investigating judge on 21 July that removed his ban on leaving France, a decision the Nanterre public prosecutor has appealed.
  • The appellate chamber in Versailles has set the appeal over the eased travel restriction for deliberation on 16 September.
  • Plaintiffs plan to submit additional testimonies in September and to argue 'seriality' or 'connexity' between allegations so that a non-prescribed act can stop the prescription clock for older cases.
  • Bruel's lawyers say the easing followed normal procedure and that he received no special treatment, while several complainants call the decision a bad signal and are seeking extra investigative resources such as a cold-case unit.