Warning: This story contains distressing details from the start.
A French woman has recounted her harrowing experience of being repeatedly raped by unknown men, more than a decade after being drugged by her husband. Gisèle Pélicot, now 72, testified during a trial in Avignon, southeastern France, involving 51 defendants, including her husband, Dominique, who has been married to her for 50 years.
In a shocking admission, Dominique Pélicot, 71, reportedly expressed that he derived satisfaction from watching his wife being sexually abused while unconscious. Many defendants in the trial dispute the rape accusations, contending they believed they were engaging in consensual sexual activities.
Gisèle emphasized her non-consent in court, declaring, "I was never complicit" in any sexual acts and never feigned sleep. This case has startled the nation, particularly due to its public trial proceedings. Gisèle chose to waive her anonymity to redirect the "shame" towards the accused, as stated by her legal representatives.
Taking the stand on Thursday, she expressed her wish to represent "every woman who has been drugged without knowing it," striving to prevent similar suffering for others. Gisèle recounted the moment she was invited for questioning from the police, initially believing it was related to her husband’s prior misconduct involving inappropriate photographs of women.
Recalling her interrogation, she stated, “The police officer asked me about my sex life, and I clarified that I had never participated in partner-swapping or threesomes." The situation took a devastating turn when she was presented with photographs revealing her in an unfamiliar state, subjected to heinous acts, leading her to declare, "My world fell apart."
Prior to this revelation, Gisèle described her marriage as mostly happy, having navigated financial and health challenges together. However, the betrayal from her husband shattered their long-standing bond. “All that we had built together had gone,” she recounted sorrowfully.
The court will hear further evidence indicating that Dominique allegedly contacted men via online platforms, inviting them to their home while Gisèle was incapacitated. Reports allege that these men followed strict instructions to avoid detection, including arriving discreetly and ensuring complete silence, as Gisèle was drugged.
Investigators claim that approximately 200 rapes occurred between 2011 and 2020, primarily at their residence in Mazan, where they relocated in 2013. Over half of these instances are attributed to her husband, with most of the other perpetrators residing nearby.
During court proceedings, Gisèle recognized only one defendant, a neighbor who she once knew on friendly terms, perplexingly unaware of his involvement in the assault.
Gisèle conveyed her disgust towards the accused, asserting, “They should at least have the responsibility to recognize what they did.” Following the exposure of her husband’s actions, she discovered she was carrying four sexually transmitted infections, expressing her anguish at the lack of concern shown by any of the accused.
Currently in the process of divorcing her husband, Gisèle poignantly remarked, “Inside me, it is a scene of devastation. The façade may look solid, but behind it…” As the trial continues, the focus remains on justice and support for survivors of such heinous crimes.
