Gisèle Pelicot, a 72-year-old French woman whose unwavering strength captivated global attention, has been granted France’s most prestigious civilian honour. This significant recognition, the Knight of the Legion of Honour, places her among a select group commended for outstanding service to the nation. Announced just before France’s national Bastille Day celebrations in July 2025, the award highlights Pelicot’s extraordinary courage and public stance during the mass-rape trial involving her former husband last year. Her powerful decision to waive anonymity and testify publicly transformed her into a powerful symbol of resilience and a leading voice for victims of sexual violence worldwide.
Understanding the Legion of Honour
The Legion of Honour (Légion d’honneur) stands as France’s highest national distinction. Established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802, it recognizes individuals, both French citizens and foreigners, who have demonstrated exceptional merit in various fields, including military, cultural, scientific, and civic life. The award is granted through a decree and nominations are based on distinguished service to the general interest. Receiving the Legion of Honour is a profound acknowledgement of one’s contributions and impact on French society and, in some cases, the wider world. Gisèle Pelicot was named a Knight, one of the most common ranks within the order, on a list comprising 589 recipients this year, underscoring the breadth of contributions recognised by the French state.
Gisèle Pelicot’s Ordeal and Public Testimony
Gisèle Pelicot’s path to national recognition began with a horrific personal ordeal. For nearly a decade, between 2011 and 2020, she was systematically drugged by her then-husband, Dominique Pelicot. While she lay incapacitated, often in a comatose state in her own bed, he not only raped her himself but also recruited dozens of other men via online forums to come to their home in Provence and sexually abuse her. This systematic violation came to light, leading to a large-scale trial in Avignon that shocked France and resonated globally.
During the high-profile proceedings in 2024, Gisèle Pelicot made the courageous and deliberate choice to forgo her legal right to anonymity. She chose to testify publicly, putting a face and a voice to the suffering endured. This decision was pivotal. Her testimony was widely reported, detailing the trauma and her refusal to be silenced. Facing her abusers in court, she powerfully condemned their claims of ignorance regarding her lack of consent, labelling the defence a “trial of cowardice.” She asserted there was no possible excuse for abusing an unconscious person.
Her most widely quoted statement encapsulated her motivation and impact: “I want all women who have been raped to say: Madame Pelicot did it, I can too.” This became a rallying cry, embodying her explicit goal to “make shame swap sides,” shifting the burden of disgrace from the victim, where it has historically rested, firmly onto the perpetrators.
The Landmark Trial and Verdict
The trial against Dominique Pelicot and 50 co-defendants spanned nearly three months, beginning in September 2024 and concluding in December. Gisèle Pelicot demonstrated remarkable strength and determination by attending almost every day of the court sessions. The evidence presented included a chilling collection of approximately 20,000 photos and videos her husband had stored, which proved crucial in identifying and prosecuting the co-defendants.
During the trial, Dominique Pelicot, aged 72, confessed to drugging his wife and orchestrating the systematic rapes. He was ultimately found guilty of all charges and received the maximum possible sentence: 20 years in prison for aggravated rape. The 50 other men on trial were also convicted, receiving prison sentences ranging from three to 15 years for rape or attempted aggravated rape, with one charged with sexual assault. While many of the co-defendants denied intentional rape, claiming they were deceived or believed it was a consensual fetish act, their convictions underscored the court’s rejection of these claims, particularly given Gisèle Pelicot’s incapacitated state. Leaving the courthouse after the verdicts, she expressed deep emotion, stating the fight was for her grandchildren and children and offering solidarity to other victims, declaring they “share the same fight.”
A Symbol of Courage and Influence
Gisèle Pelicot’s bravery extends far beyond the courtroom. Her public stance has cemented her status as a feminist icon and a symbol of unwavering resilience against horrific abuse. French President Emmanuel Macron publicly paid tribute to her, hailing her as a trailblazer whose “dignity and courage moved and inspired France and the world.”
Her willingness to speak out has had tangible impacts. Her case is widely credited with helping to prompt changes in France’s laws regarding sexual assault, pushing for legal frameworks that better protect victims and prosecute perpetrators. She has been recognised internationally, appearing on lists of the world’s most influential people by various media outlets and reportedly being named personality of the year in a French opinion poll. Her story has initiated vital public conversations about consent, victim blaming, and the long-lasting trauma of sexual violence, contributing to a crucial shift in societal attitudes.
Honoured Alongside Other Notable Figures
The list of Legion of Honour recipients is traditionally announced ahead of Bastille Day and encompasses individuals from diverse backgrounds who have made significant contributions to France. While Gisèle Pelicot’s inclusion is particularly notable for the profound human story and societal impact it represents, she was honoured alongside other prominent figures.
The decree published on Sunday listed 589 recipients in total across various ranks, with 497 appointed as Knights. Among others named Knights this year were internationally renowned American musician and designer Pharrell Williams, recognised partly for his role as creative director for Louis Vuitton in Paris. The list also included French actor Lea Drucker, veteran singer Sylvie Vartan, celebrated writer Marc Levy, and 99-year-old Yvette Levy, a survivor of Auschwitz, highlighting the wide spectrum of national service being acknowledged by this high honour.
Looking Ahead: Memoir and Legacy
While Gisèle Pelicot has largely remained private since the conclusion of the trial, focusing on her recovery and future, her story will continue to reach audiences. According to her lawyer, she is currently working on a memoir detailing her experiences in her own words. This book is scheduled for publication in 2026, offering readers a deeper, personal insight into her ordeal, her fight for justice, and the immense courage required to transform personal tragedy into a powerful force for change. Her legacy as someone who bravely stood up, demanded accountability, and inspired countless others remains firmly established in France and internationally.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Legion of Honour and why did Gisèle Pelicot receive it?
The Legion of Honour (Légion d’honneur) is France’s highest national decoration, awarded for distinguished service or achievement. Gisèle Pelicot was named a Knight of the order in July 2025 in recognition of her exceptional courage. She was honoured for her bravery in publicly testifying during the mass-rape trial against her former husband and dozens of other men, waiving her right to anonymity, and becoming a symbol of resilience and empowerment for other victims of sexual assault.
What was the Gisèle Pelicot trial about and what was the verdict?
The trial centered on the systematic drugging and rape of Gisèle Pelicot over nearly a decade (2011-2020) by her then-husband, Dominique Pelicot, and approximately 50 other men he recruited. The trial took place in Avignon, France, in late 2024. Dominique Pelicot was found guilty and received the maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. All 50 co-defendants were also convicted, receiving prison sentences ranging from three to 15 years for their roles in the crimes.
How has Gisèle Pelicot’s case influenced France or other victims?
Gisèle Pelicot’s decision to testify publicly and her powerful call to “make shame swap sides” have profoundly impacted public discourse around sexual assault in France and internationally. Her case is credited with raising awareness, empowering other victims to come forward, and reportedly influencing changes to France’s rape laws. She has been recognised as a feminist icon and influential figure, inspiring widespread admiration for her strength and determination in seeking justice and reclaiming her narrative.
Conclusion
Gisèle Pelicot’s investiture as a Knight of the Legion of Honour is more than just a national award; it is a powerful affirmation of her incredible strength, her unwavering dignity, and the profound impact of her public stand against unimaginable horror. By choosing to speak out and demand accountability during her husband’s mass-rape trial, she not only secured justice in her own case but also ignited crucial conversations and inspired countless others facing similar trauma. Her legacy is one of courage, resilience, and a tireless fight to shift the burden of shame where it truly belongs. As she prepares to share her story further in an upcoming memoir, Gisèle Pelicot remains a vital symbol of hope and empowerment for victims of sexual violence globally, rightfully earning her place among France’s most distinguished citizens.
