French mayors call for cancellation of Patrick Bruel tour following sexual violence indictments

Mayoral opposition mounts in Strasbourg and Dijon

Strasbourg Mayor Catherine Trautmann intervened on 24 August by asking the management of the Zénith concert hall to examine all available administrative and contractual options to prevent singer Patrick Bruel from taking the stage on 21 November. Trautmann explained in a public statement on Facebook that stepping back would give the justice system time to conduct its work and clarify the circumstances surrounding the allegations. Her action followed a statement on 23 August by Dijon Mayor Nathalie Koenders, who has led the municipality since 2024. Koenders voiced complete disapproval of Bruel's scheduled appearance at a Dijon venue on 23 October. While French law restricts mayors and prefects from banning concerts unless they can demonstrate a proven risk of public disturbance, Koenders urged Bruel to act voluntarily.

In light of the number of complaints and the gravity of the alleged acts, a withdrawal of the artist now appears necessary.

Faced with the number of complaints and the seriousness of the reported acts, his presence on stage seems inappropriate to me today. He should show responsibility and decency and renounce performing until the justice system has ruled.

Judicial proceedings across multiple jurisdictions

Bruel, 67, has been under formal investigation since 10 June in four distinct sexual violence cases. The judicial investigations involve an alleged rape in Neuilly-sur-Seine in Hauts-de-Seine dating to 2008, an alleged attempted rape in Brussels in 2010, an alleged sexual assault and sexual harassment incident in Perpignan in Pyrénées-Orientales in 2019, and alleged sexual harassment in Ajaccio in Corse-du-Sud in 2019. In addition to these four indictments, French magistrates placed the artist under the intermediate status of assisted witness in four other ongoing inquiries. Complainants' attorney Myriam Guedj-Benayoun filed an additional complaint on 19 August alleging attempted rape. Bruel has denied all accusations. In late July, magistrates eased his judicial supervision at his request to permit travel outside French territory, a ruling that the public prosecutor's office subsequently appealed.

National municipal pushback against the anniversary tour

The singer plans to embark on a 35-date arena tour between 2 October and 21 November to commemorate the 35th anniversary of his 1989 album Alors regarde. The tour itinerary spans large venues across France, including the Zénith de Paris, opening in Chartres and ending at the Zénith de Strasbourg. Approximately 15 mayors representing diverse political parties have publicly objected to Bruel performing in their jurisdictions. Chartres Mayor Ladislas Vergne stated on 20 August that Bruel is not welcome in the city and said it was out of the question for the opening performance to take place there under current conditions. Municipal leaders in Montpellier, Paris, Marseille, Nancy, Brest, and Amiens previously urged Bruel in May to cancel scheduled performances.

Tour schedule status and venue management responses

Bruel previously canceled all concert dates through September in late May after allegations multiplied and feminist collectives staged demonstrations outside a Paris theatre where he was performing in a play. Media reports published on 21 August indicated that Bruel intends to maintain his autumn schedule despite renewed calls for protests. While venue operators in Strasbourg and other tour destinations evaluate contractual mechanisms and legal obligations, the 35 scheduled dates remain active.