Gisèle Pelicot Returns to Court: A Symbol of Strength Confronts the Past
On Monday, October 6, 2025, Gisèle Pelicot—the Frenchwoman whose harrowing story of betrayal and survival shook France to its core—returned to court in Aix-en-Provence. This time, she faces one of the 51 men convicted in her landmark rape case, as he appeals his 10-year sentence for participating in the decade-long abuse orchestrated by her own husband .
Table of Contents
- A Recap of the Gisèle Pelicot Case
- Why Gisèle Chose to Return to Court
- What the Appeal Is About
- Public and Feminist Reactions
- Why This Appeal Matters for France
- Sources
A Recap of the Gisèle Pelicot Case
From 2011 to 2020, Dominique Pelicot secretly drugged his wife, Gisèle, and invited scores of men—many strangers—to rape her while she was unconscious in their home. The abuse only came to light in 2021 when Gisèle, then 69, discovered messages on her husband’s phone arranging these encounters.
In a historic trial that concluded in June 2024, 51 men were convicted, including Dominique, who received a 20-year sentence. Gisèle waived her legal right to anonymity, becoming a powerful voice for survivors of sexual violence and marital abuse.
Why Gisèle Chose to Return to Court
Now 73, Gisèle could have stayed away. But she chose to attend the appeal hearing in person. “I’m not here for revenge,” she told reporters outside the courthouse. “I’m here so the truth doesn’t get rewritten.”
Her presence is both personal and political. By showing up, she reaffirms that victims are not passive—they are witnesses, advocates, and guardians of justice.
What the Appeal Is About
The defendant, whose identity is partially protected under French law, is challenging his conviction on the grounds that he “did not know Gisèle was drugged” and believed the encounter was consensual. His legal team argues that without explicit proof of his awareness, the conviction should be overturned.
Prosecutors counter that French law is clear: engaging in sexual acts with someone who is incapacitated—regardless of perceived consent—is rape. The original trial established that all participants were part of a coordinated scheme facilitated by Dominique Pelicot.
Public and Feminist Reactions
Outside the courthouse, dozens of supporters gathered with signs reading “We Believe Gisèle” and “Consent Cannot Be Drugged.” Feminist groups like #NousToutes and ONU Femmes France have called the appeal a “dangerous precedent” that could undermine survivor credibility.
“This isn’t just about one man’s sentence,” said activist Marie Lenoir. “It’s about whether France will stand by its commitment to believe victims of hidden violence.”
Why This Appeal Matters for France
The 2024 verdict was groundbreaking—it recognized spousal sexual violence as a systemic crime and affirmed that unconscious victims cannot consent. Legal scholars say the outcome of this appeal could influence how future cases involving drugging, coercion, or digital evidence are handled.
If the conviction is upheld, it reinforces France’s recent legal strides in protecting survivors. If overturned, it may embolden others to challenge similar verdicts.
