health
February 16, 2026
Gisèle Pelicot: The Newsnight Interview review
Mme Pelicot’s innate dignity shines through, as she explains why she waived her anonymity – after her husband drugged her so that dozens of men could sexually assault her
TL;DR
- Gisèle Pelicot was interviewed by Victoria Derbyshire about her experience of being drugged and sexually assaulted by dozens of men over a decade, orchestrated by her husband, Dominique Pelicot.
- Dominique Pelicot was identified as having committed these acts and received a 20-year sentence, with 52 other men convicted for their involvement.
- Mme Pelicot waived her right to anonymity, stating "shame must change sides," aiming to place the blame on the perpetrators.
- Her decision to waive anonymity evolved over time, as she initially desired privacy but later concluded that victims should not be punished twice.
- The article describes Mme Pelicot as a figure of strength, grace, and an inspiration to women, particularly survivors of sexual violence.
- The interview also touches upon the ongoing investigation into her daughter, Caroline, for other alleged crimes.
- The piece raises a disturbing question about the potential reactions of some viewers to such stories, considering other cases of sexual assault and drugging.
- Mme Pelicot details how her husband used muscle relaxants with sedatives to facilitate the assaults without causing her immediate pain.
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