AVIGNON — In a high-profile mass rape trial that has shocked France and the world, one of the over 50 men accused of raping Gisele Pelicot publicly apologized to her in court on Thursday. Lionel Rodriguez, a 44-year-old father of three, admitted to raping Pelicot, who was drugged and abused by dozens of men over nearly a decade without her knowledge. The assaults were orchestrated by her husband, Dominique Pelicot.
Dominique, who recruited the men online and invited them to their family home to rape his unconscious wife, confessed to his crimes earlier this week, stating, “I am a rapist, just like the others in this room.”
Rodriguez, one of the few accused to admit guilt, addressed Gisele directly: “I am sorry, I can only imagine the nightmare you’ve lived through… and I am part of this nightmare.” He acknowledged that his apology could not undo the harm caused but felt compelled to express his remorse.
The case has sparked protests across France in support of Gisele Pelicot, who requested the trial be held publicly to expose the depth of the abuse. The trial has garnered global attention, highlighting the pervasiveness of sexual violence and the role of seemingly ordinary men, aged between 26 and 74, who participated in the assaults.
Rodriguez claimed during the investigation that he had not initially intended to rape Gisele but now recognizes that he did. “I should have checked that she was okay with it. I feel guilty for what I did,” he said, adding that he regretted not leaving when he saw she was unconscious.
In an attempt to explain his actions, Rodriguez also partially blamed Dominique Pelicot for instructing him. However, he ultimately admitted his responsibility, stating, “I am guilty of rape.”