The Paléo Festival in Switzerland ends its collaboration with Patrick Bruel following allegations by volunteer massage therapists

Nyon – May 25, 2026: The Paléo Festival in Nyon, Switzerland, has decided to end its collaboration with French singer Patrick Bruel after a volunteer massage therapist reported “unacceptable behavior” by him in 2019. The decision was made following a report on the French television program Sept à Huit on May 24, 2026, in which the massage therapist described an incident involving Bruel during the Paléo Festival in July 2019.

According to the massage therapist, who wishes to remain anonymous, Bruel lay completely naked on the massage table during a massage backstage at the festival and requested a massage of the pubic area. She described this behavior as “unacceptable.” In a statement on social media, the Paléo Festival said it takes the incident very seriously and supports the volunteer staff member. “Clearly, we will no longer invite Patrick Bruel to the Paléo Festival,” the statement said.

Following the incident, the massage therapist took legal action, but a settlement was ultimately reached. Reportedly, she withdrew her lawsuit after financial compensation was agreed upon, and Bruel donated several thousand euros to an organization supporting migrant women. Bruel’s lawyer confirmed the settlement agreement but denied the allegations, stressing that “Patrick Bruel made no gesture toward the massage therapist.” The lawyer added: “This was a settlement proposal made by the prosecutor, which is common in Switzerland for handling less serious allegations.”

These allegations are not the first Bruel has faced. In 2019, several massage therapists from various locations in France, including Perpignan and Ajaccio, made similar allegations involving sexual harassment and indecent exposure. These allegations prompted investigations. However, in December 2020, the Nanterre public prosecutor’s office terminated the proceedings, citing insufficient evidence to support criminal liability.

Although the French investigation has concluded, the Paléo Festival in Nyon has decided to end its collaboration with Bruel based on considerations relating to the 2019 incident. “Respect and safety within our community are non-negotiable,” the festival emphasized in its statement. The decision is also connected to Patrick Bruel’s upcoming tour in Switzerland, which is scheduled to take place in the coming months.

The allegations against Bruel have once again raised questions about the responsibility of artists and event organizers in dealing with such accusations. How the situation will develop and what impact it will have on Bruel’s career remains to be seen.