guilty in Gisèle Pelicot
Morgan, in France, guilty in Gisèle Pelicot , more than 50 men have been found guilty of raping and sexually assaulting a 72-year-old woman named Gisèle Pellico. Her case has drawn international attention. Today, Pellico’s ex-husband, Dominique, was sentenced to 20 years in prison after admitting to drugging her until she was unconscious and inviting dozens of men to abuse her over the span of a decade.


NBC News Correspondent Hala Gorani joins us now. Hala, the details of this case are extremely graphic and disturbing. Can you tell us more about the verdict and Pellico’s reaction?
“Yes, very disturbing. First, a quick recap of the case: Dominique Pellico was tried and sentenced today to 20 years in prison for raping his wife. Over the course of more than a decade, he drugged her and invited other men to participate in these assaults. Fifty co-defendants were also sentenced, receiving prison terms ranging from three to twelve years. While these sentences are lower than what the prosecution sought, the cultural impact of this case cannot be overstated.
This case has shocked the public and reverberated far beyond France. To give you an idea, even here in London, the BBC aired an hour-long special on the sentencing hearing for these men. Gisèle Pellico, a woman in her 70s, waived her right to anonymity in this trial. She showed her face because, as she explained, she wanted to shift the shame to the accused rapists.
Her bravery has sparked widespread attention. Many are saying this case represents a turning point—a kind of second ‘Me Too’ movement in France.”
Let’s pause there, Hala. As you mentioned, Pellico has become a hero to many women in France for choosing to go public with her story. How have people in France and around the world reacted to her courage?
“She’s become a symbol—a feminist icon, even. Women’s rights activists point to her as a much-needed voice in the fight against sexual violence. But it’s important to remember she didn’t seek this. She’s deeply traumatized and has said her life is utterly ruined. This is a man she was married to for 50 years. They had three children together. Yet he betrayed her in unimaginable ways.
Still, she has inspired many. There are murals of her in France, and women have gathered outside the courthouse throughout the trial, applauding her bravery. She has attended the courtroom proceedings every day, determined to face her abusers.
As she said herself, she wanted the shame to sit on the other side.”
Thank you, Hala Gorani. And thank you all for watching. Stay updated on breaking news and top stories on the NBC News app or follow us on social media.
For more detailed information, you can visit her official website at giselepelicot.com.
#giselepelicot.com #giselepelicot