Dominique Pelicot, a 71-year-old man accused of drugging his ex-wife for over a decade and orchestrating a mass rape involving dozens of men, has confessed to his crimes during his testimony at a trial that began on September 2. Alongside his 50 co-defendants, Mr. Pelicot stated, “I am a rapist like the others in this room,” asserting that all involved were aware of the abuse taking place. While only 15 of the accused admit to rape, most claim they participated in consensual sexual acts.
In the courtroom, Mr. Pelicot expressed remorse, stating, “I ask for forgiveness, even though it is unacceptable,” and acknowledged that his ex-wife, Gisèle, “did not deserve this.” Gisèle later responded, sharing her disbelief at his actions after 50 years of marriage and her complete trust in him. She waived her right to anonymity for the trial, which has drawn public attention and support for victims of abuse. As she exited the courtroom, Gisèle was met with applause and flowers from supporters, symbolizing resilience in the face of her traumatic experience.
The trial has sparked a nationwide dialogue in France regarding issues of marital rape, consent, and the use of drugs to facilitate assault. Mr. Pelicot shared details of his troubled past, including childhood abuse, and portrayed his tumultuous relationship with Gisèle, revealing feelings of love and despair intertwined with his admission of wrongdoing. During cross-examination, his defense was questioned regarding his inability to halt the abuse, particularly as Gisèle’s health deteriorated.