Gisèle Pelicot, the 73-year-old French woman who rose to global prominence as a feminist icon after her ex-husband was convicted of orchestrating her rape, has given her first televised interview since the trial, offering a poignant look into her healing journey and the ongoing battle against sexual violence. In the interview with France 5, Pelicot shared key insights that underscore the personal and societal impacts of the harrowing decade-long abuse.
The interview comes on the heels of a landmark trial in December 2024, where her former husband, Dominique Pelicot, was found guilty of drugging her and inviting strangers to rape her at their home in Mazan, southern France, over nearly ten years. The case, which shocked the nation, led to the conviction of fifty men for rape or sexual assault, marking a significant moment in France’s confrontation with systemic sexual abuse. Pelicot’s courage in speaking out transformed her personal tragedy into a public rallying cry against rape culture.
Outside the courtroom after the verdict, Pelicot famously declared, “Shame must change sides,” a phrase that has since become a mantra for survivors and activists worldwide. This interview, timed with the upcoming release of her memoir “A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides,” allows her to elaborate on this message and share details previously confined to legal proceedings.
One of the most striking revelations was Pelicot’s description of the moment she learned the truth. Summoned by police, she was shown images of the assaults and initially failed to recognize herself. “I don’t recognize myself in those photos,” she said. “Then I put on my glasses, and there I discovered this lifeless woman with a man she doesn’t know on her bed. I think my brain disassociated.” This moment of shocking realization highlights the profound trauma she endured.
Reflecting on the past, Pelicot acknowledged subtle warning signs that she overlooked at the time. She recalled a yellow stain on trousers and an instance where her husband added a suspicious substance to her beer, pouring it away when questioned. “I asked him whether he might be drugging me, and then he started crying. Was it my subconscious? I don’t know,” she said, illustrating the complexities of realizing abuse within a long-term marriage.
Despite the betrayal, Pelicot expressed a desire to visit Dominique Pelicot in prison as part of her healing process. She aims to confront him directly, asking why he committed such acts, while holding onto the happy memories of their 50-year marriage. “I want to look him directly in the eye and ask him, ‘Why did you do that?'” she stated, showcasing her resolve to find closure.
The interview also addressed the fractures within her family. Pelicot noted that her relationship with her daughter Caroline is improving, but her son David needs more time to cope. “I chose to live with Mr. Pelicot,” she explained. “They didn’t choose their father, so they’re in a different position.” This candid discussion underscores the broader familial toll of such crimes.
In a hopeful turn, Pelicot revealed that she has found love again with a man named Jean-Loup, whom she met in 2023. “Meeting him was incredible,” she said. “I met this man who’s also been through difficult times, and it’s changed our lives.” This new chapter symbolizes her resilience and ability to rebuild after immense suffering, offering inspiration to other survivors.
