Gisèle Pelicot, the woman at the center of a shocking rape trial in France, broke down in tears as defense lawyers questioned her about her personal life and sexual habits, The Associated Press reports.
Pelicot, who claims she was drugged and raped by dozens of men while unconscious, maintains her innocence and asserts that she was completely unaware of what her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, was subjecting her to.
The trial has gripped France, with Pelicot becoming a symbol of the fight against sexual violence for choosing to waive her anonymity and publicly confront her attackers. The 50 men on trial, ranging in age from 26 to 74, face up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
Dominique Pelicot, who has admitted to drugging his wife and inviting men to rape her over a period of almost 10 years, has been a key witness in the case. He testified that all the men were aware of Pelicot’s unconscious state and claims they cannot deny their actions.
However, defense lawyers have focused their questioning on the notion of consent, arguing that Pelicot may have been aware of some of the sexual encounters. They have also questioned the time and date stamps on videos showing the alleged rapes, suggesting that Pelicot may not have been unconscious for the entire duration of the acts.
Pelicot vehemently denied these suggestions, stating that she was in a “state of coma” and could not have given consent. She was visibly distressed by the questioning, calling it “insulting” and “degrading,” and lamenting the treatment of victims of sexual violence in the justice system.
“Since I’ve arrived in this courtroom, I’ve felt humiliated. I am treated like an alcoholic, an accomplice,” she said, her voice cracking. “I have heard it all.”
