Gisèle Pelicot Speaks Publicly About Surviving Mass Rape in France

In Brief

Gisèle Pelicot publicly recounts surviving a mass rape and her ex-husband's conviction in France.

Key Facts

• Gisèle Pelicot survived a mass rape involving dozens of men in France.
• Her ex-husband was found guilty of drugging her unconscious and facilitating the assaults.
• Pelicot chose to testify publicly rather than anonymously during the trial.
• She shared her story in her memoir titled 'A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides'.
• In 2024, Pelicot gave her first U.S. television interview discussing her experience and recovery.

What Happened

Gisèle Pelicot was the victim of a mass rape in France, where her ex-husband was convicted of drugging her and enabling multiple men to assault her. After initially remaining silent, Pelicot decided to testify publicly during the trial and later shared her story through a memoir and a U.S. television interview in 2024.

Why It Matters

Pelicot's decision to speak publicly highlights issues of sexual violence and survivor advocacy in France and internationally. Her story contributes to broader conversations about justice, trauma recovery, and the importance of survivor voices in legal and social contexts.