Biographer’s note on a public figure
Prosecutors say Patrick Bruel is in custody as investigations expand. Three women had previously accused him of sexual assault and attempted rape in the 1990s; new complaints involve allegations elsewhere. Bruel denies the accusations and has offered to cooperate with authorities.
Patrick Bruel has been placed under formal investigation on multiple counts of rape, sexual assault and harassment across allegations stretching from 1992 to 2019. Prosecutors say some allegations beyond the statute of limitations have been added to the file; he denies all charges and has been released on bail with restrictions.
A French disinformation watchdog has linked the Israeli firm BlackCore to online campaigns that targeted elections in Scotland and New York, in addition to France’s local elections. The report ties BlackCore to a network amplifying content through automated accounts; authorities say the operations spanned Angola and Togo, with comments aimed at Scotland’s First Minister and the SNP.