Gisèle Pelicot's Harrowing Revelation on Newsnight
In a profoundly moving BBC Newsnight interview, Gisèle Pelicot detailed the horrific abuse she endured for over a decade, revealing how her husband, Dominique Pelicot, systematically drugged her so that at least 70 men could sexually assault her while she was unconscious. The interview, conducted by Victoria Derbyshire, showcased Mme Pelicot's remarkable dignity as she explained her decision to waive her anonymity, stating that "shame must change sides" and belong to the perpetrators rather than victims.
The Discovery That Shattered a Life
Mme Pelicot's "descent into hell" began on November 2, 2020, when local police in France called her and her husband to the station. Initially believing it concerned Dominique's recent arrest for covertly photographing women under their skirts in a supermarket, she instead was shown thousands of videos and photographs from his laptop. These documented a decade of her unconscious body being raped by strangers in their Provencal home in Mazan.
"Something exploded inside me," Mme Pelicot told Derbyshire, describing her reaction to seeing images of herself in unfamiliar underwear with men she didn't recognize. It took hours before she could articulate to a friend what had happened: "Dominique raped me and had me raped."
A Community of Predators Unmasked
The investigation revealed a shocking network of perpetrators drawn from within a 30-mile radius of their home. Police identified 52 men plus Dominique Pelicot, with most convicted of aggravated rape after a three-month trial. Two received convictions for sexual assault, two for attempted rape, and Dominique received the maximum sentence of 20 years imprisonment.
Derbyshire's questioning approached the subject with straightforward respect, avoiding sensationalism while allowing Mme Pelicot's story to unfold with devastating clarity. The interviewer noted that such directness was necessary to honor Mme Pelicot's proven ability to survive unthinkable trauma.
The Courage to Waive Anonymity
Mme Pelicot's decision to publicly identify herself represents a significant departure from standard practice in sexual assault cases. Initially, she wanted a closed hearing, feeling that "the filthy stain stays with you for life." However, during the four years between discovering the abuse and the trial, she reconsidered.
"I carried that shame," she explained, but eventually concluded that such "self-inflicted pain... meant that victims were being punished twice. And I thought that if I could overcome it, all victims could do it too. I'm sure of it. They must not lose confidence."
A Figure of Extraordinary Resilience
Throughout the interview, Mme Pelicot remained remarkably composed, even when describing how her husband mixed muscle relaxants with sedatives to prevent her from experiencing pain or realizing what had occurred. Her calm demeanor and thoughtful responses created what reviewers described as "an extraordinary figure" who commands admiration for her strength and grace.
The interview also touched on her strained relationship with daughter Caroline, another suspected victim of Dominique, who faces additional investigations for a 1999 attempted rape (which he admitted) and a 1991 murder (which he denies).
Broader Implications and Parallel Cases
The Pelicot case raises disturbing questions about how many similar predators might exist undetected. As Derbyshire noted, it's difficult not to consider "the 30-mile radius around you and wonder" about potential undiscovered crimes.
This concern gains urgency with recent parallel cases, including former Tory councillor Philip Young pleading guilty to nearly 50 counts of drugging, raping, and sexually assaulting his former wife Joanne, who also waived her anonymity. Another man has pleaded guilty to raping Joanne as well.
Mme Pelicot has become what reviewers describe as "a repository of hope" and inspiration, particularly for the estimated 30% of women who have experienced physical or sexual violence. Office for National Statistics data from March 2025 indicates 98% of such victims report male attackers.
Gisèle Pelicot: The Newsnight Interview originally aired on BBC Two and remains available on BBC iPlayer, offering a powerful testament to one woman's resilience in the face of unimaginable violation.
