France’s government spokeswoman encouraged women to speak out about sexual violence, ‘even decades later’, as she addressed mounting allegations of rape and assault targeting popular singer and actor Patrick Bruel.
Bruel, 67, is a major figure in French pop culture, with multiple top‑selling albums to his name, and has appeared in more than 40 films.
He is the latest in a string of French film and music celebrities accused of sexual assault.
“We must continue to bring into public discourse extremely clear messages that encourage women to speak out, even decades later,” government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon told broadcaster France 2, referring to claims of rape targeting Bruel.
“We must all work toward a political, media and judicial system that allows women who have been victims of sexist and sexual violence to speak out, to say it publicly, and to be heard by the justice system,” she added.
