Gisèle Pélicot, during her final statement in the Mazan trial, affirmed her decision to retain her last name as a symbol of resilience against the stigma of sexual violence. Accusing her former husband of horrific crimes, she emphasized the need for societal change regarding perceptions of such violence. Her stance aims to foster pride in her family’s name, countering shame and advocating for justice, while the defendant attempted to rationalize his actions by citing personal trauma.
Gisèle Pélicot’s Stand on Identity and Dignity
On November 19, 2024, Gisèle Pélicot delivered her final statement in the ongoing trial of Mazan at the Avignon courthouse, which has captivated attention since its initiation on September 2. During her testimony, she articulated her steadfast decision to retain her last name, a choice rooted in her ambition to transform a narrative of shame into one of resilience and dignity. This high-profile trial, which has spanned ten weeks, addresses deeply concerning allegations.
Accusations and Advocacy Against Sexual Violence
Gisèle Pélicot has accused her former spouse, Dominique Pélicot, of repeatedly raping her and facilitating the sexual assault of 50 men against her under drug-induced conditions. Addressing the court, which was visibly moved, she referred to the proceedings as a ‘trial of cowardice’ and highlighted the urgent need for a societal shift in how sexual violence is perceived. Besides discussing the legal aspects, she emphasized the personal significance of her decision to keep the Pélicot surname.
When questioned by the defense, Gisèle clarified her stance, contrasting her choice with that of two of her children who have opted for name changes. ‘I have grandchildren who bear the name ‘Pélicot’, and I refuse to let them feel ashamed of it,’ she asserted. Her decision embodies her fight against the stigma surrounding rape and her quest for justice, not just for herself but also for her family.
From the trial’s outset, Gisèle has advocated for an open court session, ensuring extensive media attention. Her image has emerged as a powerful symbol of resistance, being depicted on walls across various cities. ‘Upon entering this courtroom, my children felt ashamed of the name Pélicot. I chose to carry it so they wouldn’t have to hide,’ she expressed. She concluded with a poignant reminder: ‘We will remember Mrs. Pélicot, much less Mr. Pélicot. I want my grandchildren to take pride in this name. They will remember their grandmother, Gisèle Pélicot.’
On the same day, Dominique Pélicot, the main defendant, was also given the opportunity to speak. In front of his children, he maintained that he had ‘never harmed them,’ while attempting to rationalize his actions by referencing personal traumas, including a sexual assault he experienced in his youth and a collective assault he witnessed.
In a disjointed address, he sought to explain his actions by stating, ‘If I ended up doing what I did with individuals who willingly accepted my proposals, I confess it was to control a rebellious woman, driven by selfish motives, without inflicting the suffering my mother endured. There you have my reasoning; interpret it as you wish, but that’s the reality.’