'I am a rapist' - French man accused of drugging wife and letting at least 50 men rape her.
Dominique Pelicot, the man accused of drugging his wife (Gisele Pelicot) and letting at least 50 men rape her while she was drugged has told a French court: "I am a rapist."
Local media reports that the 71-year-old defendant confessed in court, stating, "I fully acknowledge the charges against me." He went on to say, "I am a rapist, just like the others present here." It is alleged that Pelicot cleaned his wife's body after the assaults and instructed the men on how to ensure she remained unconscious, such as warming their hands and avoiding aftershave or cigarette scents. The couple, married for many years and parents to three children, faced a troubling situation where the man reportedly drugged his wife's meals to incapacitate her before the attacks. Pelicot, who had a delayed court appearance due to health concerns, expressed that his former wife "did not deserve this."
Gisele Pelicot listened closely to her ex-husband, her eyes locked on him as he talked. When he wrapped up, she lowered her head and fiddled with her sunglasses. "This is tough for me to take in," she said when it was her moment to respond.
"For 50 years, I was with a man I never thought could do such things. I trusted him completely."
When Pelicot was prompted to respond, he said, "I take responsibility for my actions." He continued, "I regret what I did and seek forgiveness, even if it may not be possible."
Pelicot is facing serious allegations, including rape, gang rape, and multiple violations of privacy for recording and sharing sexual images without consent. Prosecutors claim that Pelicot advertised sexual services involving his wife on a website and recorded the acts of abuse. Alongside Pelicot, there are 50 other men who are also on trial for similar charges of rape. In court, Pelicot shared that he had a challenging childhood and had been a victim of rape himself. Some of the other accused have argued that they believed Gisele Pelicot was merely pretending to be asleep and had actually consented to the sexual activity. If convicted, the defendants could face sentences of up to 20 years in prison.
