The mayor of Mazan in southern France, Louis Bonnet, issued a public apology for comments that appeared to downplay the severity of a high-profile rape case that has deeply shaken the community. The trial involves Dominique Pelicot, a 71-year-old man accused of drugging his wife and facilitating her rape by dozens of men over a period of nearly a decade. Mayor Bonnet acknowledged the gravity of the crimes and expressed regret for his initial remarks that garnered criticism for their insensitivity.

"I have been criticized for minimizing the seriousness of the heinous crimes of which the defendants are accused," Mayor Bonnet stated, recognizing the outrage sparked by his comments. The case came to light after Gisèle Pelicot, the victim and wife of the main defendant, bravely chose to waive her anonymity, making her a symbol of resilience for rape survivors and an advocate in the fight against sexual violence.

Gisèle Pelicot, who was married to her accused husband for half a century and shares three children with him, appeared in court in Avignon to testify against him and the 50 other men facing trial. These men, aged between 26 and 74, could each receive a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison if found guilty. The mayor emphasized the profound impact the case has had on the community, expressing solidarity with the victim and her family while denouncing the horrific nature of the offenses.