Gisele Pelicot has been awarded France’s top civic honour for her courage in being a voice for victim-survivors of sexual violence.
Last year, Pelicot, 72, waived her right to anonymity to testify publicly in a high profile trial against her husband who drugged and raped her, as well as invited dozens of other men to abuse her over nearly a decade.
Her refusal to stay anonymous and bravery in speaking out has been widely influential and globally applauded. At the time, Pelicot said she wanted to make “shame swap sides” and ensure victim-survivors weren’t the ones to feel guilty for a rapist’s abuse.
“I want all women who have been raped to say: Madame Pelicot did it, I can too,” Pelicot previously told reporters.
This week, she has been named knight of the Legion of Honour on a list announced ahead of France’s Bastille Day. It’s the nation’s highest honour, recognising merit-based national service.
Pelicot was among 589 people named for the honour, with French President Emmanuel Macron publicly paying tribute to her as a trailblazer. Macron described her as having “dignity and courage” that “moved and inspired France and the world”.
Other people on the list include writers, artists and international figures such as clothing designer Pharrell Williams, who received the ranking of ‘knight’ alongside Pelicot. Actor Lea Drucker, veteran singer Sylvie Vartan, writer Marc Levy and Auschwitz deportee Yvette Levy, 99, were also among the figures recognised with the Legion of Honour.
Since the mass-rape trial last year, Pelicot hasn’t spoken further in public. Her husband, Dominique and 50 co-defendants were found guilty.
It’s been reported Gisele is focused on writing a book, scheduled for release in early 2026, which delves into her perspective of the events, according to her lawyer.
Pelicot’s daughter Caroline Darian has published her own book, I’ll Never Call Him Dad Again, after her father was sentenced to 20 years in prison.
Last year, Pelicot’s courage in the trial prompted the French government to announce new measures to combat violence against women. The changes included raising awareness about the use of drugs to commit sexual abuse, as well as state-funded test kits, the ability to file complaints at more hospitals and increased emergency aid.
Early this year, there was a petition made for Pelicot to be awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.