Paléo Festival in Switzerland Ends Collaboration with Patrick Bruel After Allegations by Volunteer Masseuse

Nyon – 25.05.2026: The Paléo Festival in Nyon, Switzerland, has ended its collaboration with French singer Patrick Bruel after a volunteer masseuse reported “unacceptable behavior” by the artist in 2019. This decision follows a report by the French TV program “Sept à Huit” on May 24, 2026, in which the masseuse described an incident during Bruel’s performance at the Paléo Festival in July 2019.

According to the statements of the masseuse, who wishes to remain anonymous, Bruel had been lying completely naked on the massage table backstage at the festival and asked to be massaged in the pubic area. She described this behavior as “unacceptable.” In a statement on social media, the Paléo Festival said it took the incident “very seriously” and supported the volunteer staff member. “It goes without saying that we will no longer invite Patrick Bruel to the Paléo Festival,” the statement read.

Following the 2019 incident, the masseuse took legal action, which ended in a settlement. According to reports, she withdrew her complaint after a financial agreement in which Bruel donated several thousand euros to an organization supporting migrant women. Bruel’s lawyer confirmed the settlement but denied the allegations, emphasizing that there was “no gesture by Patrick Bruel” towards the masseuse. “A settlement was proposed by the public prosecutor, as is common in Switzerland for less serious allegations,” he added.

These allegations are not the first against Bruel. In 2019, several similar accusations from masseurs and masseuses from various locations in France, including Perpignan and Ajaccio, were made. These led to investigations for sexual harassment and exhibitionism. However, these proceedings were closed by the Nanterre public prosecutor in December 2020 without further action, as there was insufficient evidence to prove a criminal offense.

Despite the closure of the investigations in France, the Paléo Festival in Nyon has decided to end its collaboration with Bruel due to the 2019 incident. “The respect and safety of our community are non-negotiable,” the festival emphasized in its statement. This decision also comes in the context of Patrick Bruel’s upcoming tour, which is scheduled to take place in Switzerland in the coming months.

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