Gisèle Pelicot's case, where she was drugged and raped by her husband's accomplices, has sparked a national debate in France about sexual violence and societal attitudes, leading to increased awareness and reporting, but significant legal and cultural changes remain slow and challenging.
French actor Gérard Depardieu will face trial for alleged 2018 rape of Charlotte Arnould, marking a significant moment in France's #MeToo movement amid numerous allegations and public debate over justice and industry culture.
Gérard Depardieu has been ordered to stand trial over allegations of raping actress Charlotte Arnould in 2018, marking a significant legal development amid multiple accusations of sexual misconduct against him in France. The case highlights ongoing issues of sexual violence in the entertainment industry and the evolving legal and cultural response to such allegations in France.
French actor Gérard Depardieu is set to face a criminal court trial on charges of rape brought by actress Charlotte Arnould, stemming from incidents in 2018. This follows a previous conviction for sexual assault in 2021 and is part of numerous allegations against him over the years. Depardieu denies all accusations.
In Avignon, France, prosecutors are seeking the maximum 20-year sentence for Dominique Pelicot, who drugged and allowed dozens of men to rape his unconscious wife, Gisèle Pelicot, over nearly a decade. The trial involves 51 defendants, with Pelicot's courage making her a symbol against sexual violence. Prosecutors are detailing the crimes and seeking severe penalties for the co-defendants, while the public shows strong support for Gisèle Pelicot, who has become an icon for feminism and justice.
Gisele Pelicot's public rape trial against her ex-husband Dominique Pelicot and 50 other men has sparked widespread debate and protests in France, highlighting issues of violence against women and the need for legal reform. Pelicot, who suffered around 200 instances of rape, has become a feminist icon, advocating for a shift in societal shame and legal definitions of rape. The trial, which has drawn significant public attention, is expected to conclude with a verdict by December, potentially influencing future legal standards regarding consent in France.
In a French rape trial, the sons of Gisèle Pelicot testified about the profound impact the crime has had on their family, describing them as 'devastated.' The trial highlights the emotional toll on victims' families in legal proceedings.
The mass rape trial in France, known as the Affaire Mazan, is nearing its conclusion with closing statements underway. Dominique Pelicot and 50 other men are accused of raping his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, while she was drugged and unconscious. The case has sparked national debate on the legal definition of rape, focusing on consent, and highlighted issues of chemical submission. Gisèle Pelicot waived her anonymity to bring attention to the case, inspiring public support and calls for legal reform.
Roman Polanski, currently on trial in France for sexual assault claims, is facing a trial in the United States next year over allegations of raping a minor in 1973. The 90-year-old director, a longtime fugitive from American justice, received papers at his Paris home for the upcoming trial. The plaintiff's lawyer revealed the trial date as August 4, 2025, and stated their intention to depose Polanski. This comes amidst a lawsuit filed by a woman who alleges Polanski raped her at his L.A. home in 1973, causing her "tremendous physical and emotional pain and suffering." Polanski has denied the allegations, except for the case involving Samantha Geimer, for which he was convicted in 1978.
Christian Brueckner, the convicted pedophile accused of murdering Madeline McCann, appeared in a German court for unrelated rape and sexual assault charges, but his trial was postponed after his defense attorney exposed a court clerk's "radical" social media posts. The attorney argued that the clerk's bias made her unsuitable as a lay judge, leading to her removal from the panel. Brueckner's lawyer also expressed concerns about his client's solitary confinement and emphasized that the current charges are unrelated to the McCann case.
Former Brazilian footballer Dani Alves denies raping a woman in a Barcelona nightclub, claiming the encounter was consensual. The woman alleges that Alves lured her into a VIP section toilet and forced her to have sex. The trial includes testimonies from Alves, the alleged victim, and witnesses, as well as psychological evaluations. Prosecutors are seeking a nine-year jail term and financial compensation for the woman. A verdict is expected in several weeks.
Former footballer Dani Alves is on trial for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in a Barcelona nightclub in December 2022. His wife and other witnesses testified, with the alleged victim claiming Alves assaulted her in the bathroom. Alves denies the charges, stating the encounter was consensual. Prosecutors seek a nine-year prison sentence, while the accuser's lawyers seek 12 years. Alves has been in pre-trial jail and faces potential extradition issues if convicted.
Former Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy has been found not guilty of raping a woman and attempting to rape another. The 28-year-old was accused of attacking a 24-year-old woman at his mansion in Cheshire in October 2020, as well as attempting to rape another woman two years prior. Mendy had previously been cleared of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault in a separate trial. His contract with Manchester City expired earlier this month.
Feminist activists in Senegal fear a setback in the fight for women's rights as the country awaits the verdict in the rape trial of opposition leader Ousmane Sonko. The case has been marked by politicisation and victim-shaming, with some activists saying it has failed to advance the rights of victims of sexual violence. Despite the country criminalising rape in 2019, survivors still face obstacles, including cumbersome procedures and a culture of silence. Sonko denies the allegations and has called on the public to protest en masse.
Prosecutors argued in closing statements that actor Danny Masterson drugged women's drinks to rape them and used his status in the Church of Scientology to avoid consequences. Masterson is on trial for a second time after a mistrial in December. His attorney argued that inconsistencies in the women's stories should create reasonable doubt. The prosecution also criticized the Church of Scientology for discouraging members from reporting abuse to law enforcement. Masterson has pleaded not guilty to raping three women between 2001 and 2003.