The Frenchman accused of drugging his wife and recruiting dozens of strangers to rape her over a decade, Dominique Pelicot, on Tuesday admitted to the various criminal charges he faces in a closely-watched trial, French media reported.
Pelicot, who was scheduled to testify last week in the high-profile case that has unsettled France, had his testimony postponed due to health concerns. When he finally appeared in court, he used a cane for support.
“I admit to the charges in their entirety,” Pelicot, 71, was cited as saying by BFM TV, whose reporter was present in the courthouse, adding: “I am a rapist just like all the others in this room.”
According to prosecutors, Pelicot advertised sexual encounters with his wife on a website and recorded the abuse.
Along with Pelicot, 50 other men are on trial for their involvement in the case, which is being held in the southern city of Avignon. So far, none of the other accused have commented on the allegations.
Gisele Pelicot, now 72, demanded a public trial, resolute in her mission to hold her ex-husband and the other men accused of assaulting her accountable.
“I ask my wife, my children, my grandchildren to accept my apologies. I regret what I did. I ask for your forgiveness, even if it is not forgivable,” he said, according to BFM TV.
Pelicot faces charges including rape, gang rape and various privacy breaches by recording and disseminating sexual images.
Pelicot’s deteriorating health forced the court to postpone his hearing multiple times last week. His lawyer had previously stated that Pelicot intended to use the opportunity to apologize to his family during the proceedings.
In court, Pelicot revealed he had endured a troubled childhood and had been a victim of rape himself, breaking down in tears at several points, according to French media reports.
Gisele Pelicot, now 72, was present during his testimony and also took the stand. She expressed her difficulty in hearing his words, stating, “It is difficult to hear from the mouth of Mr. Pelicot what he has just said.”
Gisele has since become a powerful symbol in France’s fight against sexual violence. On Saturday, hundreds of people, primarily women, rallied in cities across the country to show their support for her.
