French and Belgian officials urge Patrick Bruel to cancel tour amid sexual violence investigations

Patrick Bruel is facing mounting pressure to cancel his upcoming tour in France and Belgium as multiple officials and lawmakers publicly oppose his performances amid ongoing legal scrutiny. The singer, already under formal investigation since June 10 in four cases of sexual violence, now faces a new complaint for attempted rape filed this summer, yet he has chosen to proceed with the tour.

Local leaders in cities scheduled to host his concerts—including Amiens, Chartres, Dijon, and Strasbourg—have spoken out against the decision. Charles Spaepens, the mayor of Forest, Belgium, told BX1 that while he lacks the authority to cancel the events, the accumulating allegations, some involving minors, warrant Bruel stepping aside voluntarily. “A decision by the artist himself to take a step back during the investigation would be a sign of common sense and respect for the women who have come forward,” Spaepens said, adding that his duty is to “ensure public order” and that he would “take responsibility” if issues arise.

In France, Aurore Bergé, the junior minister for gender equality, initially stated in May that the choice to cancel rested with Bruel and his producers. On Wednesday, she reversed her stance, declaring that “the conditions are not met for these concerts to take place” and that Bruel “should himself renounce” the tour, citing the number of complaints and investigations. Bergé denied that her position infringed on the presumption of innocence.

The political backlash has spread, with Hocine Chabira, vice president of the Grand Nancy metropolitan area, telling Mediapart that it is “indecent to celebrate an anniversary on the backs of victims.” The socialist-led locality is among roughly 30 cities slated to host Bruel’s concerts starting in October, marking 35 years of his career. Despite financial and legal constraints, more municipalities are joining the opposition, urging the artist to abandon the tour.

The controversy underscores a shifting public tolerance for artists facing serious allegations, as noted by Liberation, which framed the municipal resistance as evidence that societal attitudes toward gender-based violence have hardened. Officials have emphasized that while they lack direct legal tools to block the concerts, their public stance aims to compel Bruel to reconsider.

Bruel has not issued a public response to the escalating calls for cancellation. The tour’s organizers have not commented on the growing political and public pressure.