In a shocking turn of events, Gisèle Pelicot, 72, testified with unwavering determination during a rape trial, as defense lawyers attempted to cast doubt on her unconscious state during the alleged assaults orchestrated by her ex-husband, Dominique Pelicot, 71. Refusing to be vilified, Pelicot vehemently denied any consent to the repeated acts of abuse.

Expressing her profound sense of humiliation, Pelicot vehemently rejected claims suggesting she was an alcoholic or a co-conspirator with her ex-husband. While in a comatose state, she was unable to respond to the repeated violations inflicted upon her, as depicted in videos presented as evidence during the trial.

Outraged by the allegations, Pelicot confronted the court, questioning the morality of the accused men. She criticized their lack of empathy and intelligence, asking why no one questioned the presence of a sleeping woman in her bed.

Dominique Pelicot, her former husband of 50 years and father of her three children, admitted to drugging and raping his wife. In a shocking admission, he stated, "I am a rapist, like the others in this room."

The alleged rapes, which took place between 2011 and 2020, have resulted in the men facing potential prison sentences of up to 20 years if convicted. Throughout the trial, Gisèle Pelicot has emerged as a powerful voice for victims of sexual abuse in France, bravely waiving her anonymity and allowing the trial to proceed in the public eye.

Testifying earlier this month, Pelicot revealed the devastation she experienced when the police discovered years of alleged abuse, meticulously recorded by her ex-husband in a cache of over 20,000 images and videos.

However, Gisèle Pelicot expressed her profound disappointment during Wednesday's proceedings, as she felt she was being portrayed as the perpetrator, rather than the victim. "I have the impression that the culprit is me, and that behind me the 50 are victims," she lamented.

Several defendants deny any involvement in the rape of Pelicot. Some claim they were deceived by her husband, while others argue that they believed her consent was given or that her husband's consent was sufficient.

In a shocking twist, one of the accused men, Lionel Rodriguez, 44, startled the courtroom by admitting to raping Pelicot. Expressing remorse, Rodriguez acknowledged his failure to seek her consent and his responsibility for the heinous act. Addressing Gisèle Pelicot directly, he acknowledged the nightmare she had endured, sharing his deep regret and seeking forgiveness.

The trial, which commenced on September 2nd, is expected to continue until December. Throughout this ordeal, Gisèle Pelicot's bravery serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of addressing and speaking out against sexual abuse.