Gisele Pelicot, the woman at the heart of a mass rape trial in France, has publicly stated that she cannot comprehend how her “perfect man” betrayed her, speaking in court for the first time. Pelicot, 72, alleged that her former husband, Dominique Pelicot, drugged her for nearly a decade, leading to her sexual assault.
Dominique has admitted to his crimes, which occurred between 2011 and 2020, claiming he orchestrated the rapes of his wife by recruiting men online while she was incapacitated. As she entered the courtroom, Pelicot received applause from family members supporting her during her emotional testimony.
“I still don’t understand how this man, who seemed perfect, could do this and betray me,” she said, addressing her ex-husband directly. Reflecting on their 50 years together, she expressed, “I was a happy wife; we have three children and seven grandchildren. You were a good husband, and I trusted you.”
However, she confronted him for being responsible for her being raped more than 100 times. Pelicot expressed her outrage that he allowed others into their bedroom while knowing she opposed swinging, and spoke about visiting a gynecologist without raising suspicion.
“My life has been turned upside down. You chose to do this,” she told him during her testimony.
She recounted their mealtime routine, sharing that he often prepared meals and would serve her ice cream afterward, asserting she was unaware that the food was drugged. Reflecting on her fatigue and confusion during those years, she mentioned that she often woke up feeling exhausted and in her pajamas, noting, “If I was raped during the day, my husband must have drugged my orange juice.”
When questioned about her ex-husband’s motivations, Pelicot suggested he might have been acting out of vengeance due to a past relationship she had about 30 years ago.
Forty-nine of the fifty-one men on trial, including Dominique Pelicot, are accused of rape, with others facing charges of attempted rape and sexual assault. Many of the accused deny the allegations, claiming they believed they were participating in a consensual arrangement.
Pelicot, who has waived her right to anonymity, said she allowed videos of the assaults to be shown in court to raise awareness and encourage other victims to step forward. She addressed the women who supported the defendants, noting the potential for a “normal” man to commit such acts.
“I am a destroyed woman,” she acknowledged, stating that she is seeking psychological help. Yet she expressed hope for other victims: “I wanted all victims of rape to see that if I can share my story, so can they.”
During her testimony, she also reacted to comments made by some defendants who apologized, asserting, “They are apologizing to themselves, not to me.”
The trial has also heard from the partners of some accused men. One woman noted her husband had sought sex elsewhere because she refused him, stating that it was a normal life until the news broke. Another partner described her ex as a “normal guy” and recounted her shock upon hearing of his investigation.
The trial in Avignon is expected to continue through the end of the year.
Credit: Sky News
