“Patrick Bruel, with whom I hadn’t had any particular interaction during the festival, came up behind me without me seeing him and pushed me into his car—which was reserved for VIPs,” stated Daniela Elstner, who has filed a police complaint against the renowned French actor and singer.
The complaint, lodged on March 12, 2026, alleges that the incident occurred during Unifrance’s French Film Festival in Acapulco in 1997, when Elstner was just 26 years old. This marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding sexual violence, as Elstner’s statement sheds light on her traumatic experience.
Elstner further expressed, “I was in a state of shock; I didn’t understand what was happening to me.” Her recollections highlight the emotional toll of the alleged incident, which she claims has haunted her for years. “That haunts you even more than the incident itself,” she added, emphasizing the long-lasting impact of such experiences.
In addition to Elstner’s allegations, a second complaint for rape has been filed against Bruel regarding an incident at the Dinard British Film Festival in 2012. This brings the total number of women accusing Bruel of sexual violence to eight, with allegations dating back to 1992.
Bruel, a prominent figure in French entertainment with over 60 film and TV credits, has faced multiple allegations of sexual violence. In 2019, five women accused him, but those cases were dismissed due to lack of evidence.
Elstner’s decision to come forward is part of a broader movement, as she stated, “It was only recently, after a difficult journey, that she made the painful and significant decision to speak out for herself and for all the others; and to do so, to take legal action,” according to Jade Dousselin, a spokesperson for Elstner.
Bruel’s lawyer, Christophe Ingrain, has denied the allegations, asserting that Bruel has “never sought to force anyone into a sexual act.” As of now, Bruel has not yet been formally questioned by authorities regarding these latest claims.
French prosecutors in Saint-Malo have confirmed the opening of a formal rape investigation against Bruel, indicating that the legal process is underway. Elstner’s initial refusal to name her alleged attacker in 2017 came amid a complex response to the MeToo movement in France, highlighting the challenges faced by survivors in coming forward.
Details remain unconfirmed as the investigation progresses, and the public awaits further developments in this high-profile case.
