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 terminated its collaboration with the 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 spoke about 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 was lying completely naked on the couch during a massage in the backstage area of the festival and asked her to massage the pubic area. She described this behavior as “unacceptable.” In a statement on social media, the Paléo Festival indicated that it takes the incident “very seriously” and supports the volunteer staff member. “It goes without saying that we will no longer invite Patrick Bruel to the Paléo Festival,” read the announcement.

After the incident in 2019, the masseuse initiated legal proceedings, which however ended in a settlement. According to reports, she withdrew her complaint following a financial arrangement, in which Bruel donated several thousand euros to an organization supporting migrant women. Bruel’s lawyer confirmed the settlement but denied the allegations and emphasized that “no action by Patrick Bruel” took place towards the masseuse. “A settlement was proposed by the public prosecutor, as is customary in Switzerland in less serious accusations,” he added.

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

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

The allegations against Bruel raise questions again 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 will have on Bruel’s career.