Swiss Paleo Festival ends cooperation with Patrick Bruel after volunteer masseur’s accusation

Nyon – May 25, 2026: The Paleo Festival in Nyon, Switzerland, ended its collaboration with French singer Patrick Bruel after a volunteer massage therapist reported his “unacceptable behavior” in 2019. This decision was made following a report on the French television program “Sept à Huit” on May 24, 2026, in which the volunteer massage therapist recounted the incident that occurred during Bruel’s performance at the Paleo Festival in July 2019.

According to the massage therapist, who wished to remain anonymous, Bruel was lying completely naked on the bed backstage at the festival while receiving a massage and requested a massage of his genital area. She described this behavior as “unacceptable.” The Paleo Festival stated in a social media statement that it takes the incident “very seriously” and supports its volunteer staff. “We make it clear that we will no longer invite Patrick Bruel to the Paleo Festival,” they said.

After the 2019 incident, the massage therapist initiated legal proceedings that ended in a settlement. According to reports, she withdrew the complaint after receiving a financial settlement, and Bruel donated thousands of euros to an organization supporting migrant women. Bruel’s lawyer acknowledged the settlement but denied the allegations, emphasizing that “Patrick Bruel did not engage in any inappropriate behavior toward the massage therapist.” He also added, “This settlement was the standard procedure proposed by the prosecution in Switzerland for less serious charges.”

This is not the first allegation against Bruel. In 2019, similar accusations were made by massage therapists in several French regions, including Perpignan and Ajaccio, prompting investigations into charges of sexual harassment and exposure. However, in December 2020, the Nanterre public prosecutor closed the case without further action, citing insufficient evidence to prove a crime.

Despite the conclusion of investigations in France, the Paleo Festival decided to end its collaboration with Bruel based on the 2019 incident. The festival emphasized in a statement that “the respect and safety of our community are non-negotiable.” This decision also coincides with Patrick Bruel’s upcoming tour schedule in Switzerland.

The accusations against Bruel raise the issue of responsibility regarding how artists and event organizers should handle such allegations. It remains to be seen how the situation will develop and what impact it will have on Bruel’s career.