Gisèle Pelicot breeaks silence: Queen Camilla’s letter, open trial decision and the case that shook France
Gisèle Pelicot. Image Source: Getty
French rape survivor Gisèle Pelicot, the woman at the center of France’s largest mass rape trial, has revealed she felt “overwhelmed” and “very honoured” after receiving a personal letter of support from Queen Camilla.
In an emotional interview with BBC Newsnight, Pelicot said she had not expected a message from the British royal household. The Queen praised her “courage, grace and dignity” in confronting years of abuse orchestrated by her former husband, Dominique Pelicot.
The letter comes months after a landmark 2024 trial in that gripped France and ignited a national reckoning over rape, consent and victim shaming.
The Crimes That Shocked France
Over nearly a decade, Gisèle Pelicot was repeatedly drugged by her husband and raped while unconscious. Prosecutors revealed that Dominique Pelicot invited dozens of men he met online to sexually assault her in their home in Mazan, southern France.
Police uncovered thousands of meticulously catalogued images and videos documenting the assaults. In total, 51 men stood trial in a case that lasted 15 weeks and stunned the nation.
Dominique Pelicot was sentenced to the maximum 20 years in prison. The other 50 defendants received prison terms ranging from five to 15 years. Judges rejected arguments that the men believed they had consent from the husband, ruling unequivocally that consent must come from the victim herself.
The Decision to Waive Anonymity: “Shame Must Swap Sides”
In France, victims of rape are typically granted anonymity and closed-door hearings. Gisèle Pelicot made the extraordinary decision to waive that right.
She has described carrying shame for years before concluding that “shame must swap sides”, from the victim to the rapist.
Speaking ahead of the publication of her memoir A Hymn To Life, Pelicot said she never regretted opening the trial to the public. Her decision transformed her into a global symbol of resilience and feminist strength.
Supporters gathered daily outside the Avignon courthouse, holding banners thanking her for her bravery. Demonstrations across France echoed her message that victims should not bear the burden of silence.
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“Crushed by Horror”, The Moment Everything Changed
In her BBC interview, Pelicot described the moment police showed her photos of herself lying unconscious beside unknown men.
“It was like a tsunami,” she said, recalling how she did not initially recognize herself. The revelation marked what she calls her “descent into hell.”
For years, she had suffered memory loss and health problems, unaware they were linked to sedatives administered by her husband. The betrayal, she said, was “inconceivable.”
She also described the agony of informing her three adult children about their father’s crimes. The emotional toll fractured the family, though they are now rebuilding their relationships.
Queen Camilla’s Message of Support
Queen Camilla, a longstanding advocate against domestic and sexual violence, wrote directly to Pelicot to express “heartfelt admiration.”
“You have inspired women across the globe,” the Queen wrote, adding that Pelicot had created a legacy that would “change the narrative around shame, forever.”
Pelicot said she felt deeply moved by the unexpected recognition. “I felt moved and very honoured… I am grateful to her,” she told BBC Newsnight.
The contents of the letter were shared publicly for the first time with permission from both women.
A Cultural Reckoning in France
The Pelicot trial triggered widespread debate about consent, pornography, and male accountability. The courtroom proceedings exposed not only the brutality of the crimes but also the defensive arguments presented by defendants.
Many observers described the trial as a watershed moment in French attitudes toward sexual violence. Demonstrations supporting Pelicot spread across the country, and her courtroom presence, calm, dignified, resolute, reshaped public discourse.
Her choice to step into the spotlight, rather than remain anonymous, is widely credited with empowering other survivors.
Rebuilding Life After Trauma
Now living part-time on Île de Ré, Pelicot says she is healing. She has formed a new relationship and continues to advocate for survivors.
Despite the immeasurable betrayal she endured, she says she does not feel hatred or anger, only a desire for justice and healing.
“As for me,” she concluded in her interview, “I have always chosen to walk toward the good.”
FAQ
Who is Gisèle Pelicot?
Gisèle Pelicot is a French rape survivor who waived her right to anonymity during France’s largest mass rape trial in 2024, becoming a global symbol of resilience.
What happened in the Pelicot trial?
Her former husband, Dominique Pelicot, drugged her for years and invited dozens of men to rape her. He received a 20-year sentence, and 50 co-defendants were also convicted.
Why did Gisèle Pelicot waive anonymity?
She said “shame must swap sides,” choosing to publicly confront the stigma surrounding rape victims.
What did Queen Camilla say in her letter?
Queen Camilla praised Pelicot’s courage and dignity, stating she had inspired women worldwide and changed the narrative around shame.
Where did the trial take place?
The trial was held in Avignon, France, and lasted approximately 15 weeks in 2024.
What impact did the case have in France?
It sparked national demonstrations, renewed debate on consent laws, and broader conversations about sexual violence.
Is Gisèle Pelicot writing a memoir?
Yes. Her memoir, A Hymn To Life, reflects on her ordeal, resilience, and decision to go public.