The last five performances in Paris of the play in which actor and singer Patrick Bruel, targeted by several investigations for rape, plays, have been canceled, the theater management announced Thursday, the day after new action by feminist activists.
This decision was taken “in agreement with the actors”, wrote the Édouard VII theater team in a message on its site, for the attention of spectators who had reserved their seats for one of its performances, initially scheduled until Sunday.
On Wednesday evening, the performance of “Second Part” had already been canceled, the press officer for the play and a police source told AFP in the morning.
Shortly before, around ten activists from the feminist collective Nous Tous demonstrated in front of the scene with signs, chanting “Bruel rapist!” or “No scene for the attackers!”, according to an AFP journalist present on site. Some lively exchanges with spectators took place in front of the theater.
Some activists then witnessed the exit of the spectators, who had entered the room to settle down shortly before, Marine, a member of Nous Tous who took part in this action, testified to AFP on Thursday.
The same play was also disrupted on May 28: during the performance, three activists from this collective, wearing a mask bearing the image of the singer and actor, shouted in the room “Bruel! Rapist!”, causing the lights to come on and the intervention of security, who evacuated them.
The interpreter of “Casser la voix” and “Place des grands hommes” is the target of at least four investigations for rape in France and a judicial investigation for sexual assault in Belgium. He disputes all of the facts with which he is accused.
Under pressure, the 67-year-old star announced on Friday the cancellation of most of his next tour, which was to begin in mid-June in Paris before taking him to festivals. He also withdrew from the Enfoirés troupe.
His three dates in Montreal were canceled by the local organizer. But several other concerts remain at this stage maintained in the fall.
