Gisele Pelicot received the French Legion of Honour award - French Legion of Honor granted to Gisèle Pelicot
In a moving ceremony held in Avignon, France, Gisele Pelicot, a 72-year-old Frenchwoman, was awarded the Legion of Honour Medal, one of France's highest distinctions, on July 13, 2025. The prestigious event, which attracts significant media attention, saw Pelicot joining the ranks of other esteemed recipients, including Pharrell Williams.
Pelicot, a feminist icon, gained international recognition for her extraordinary courage in publicly testifying about the mass rapes she endured over a decade at the hands of her husband, Dominique Pelicot. The trial against Gisele Pelicot's ex-husband and 50 other defendants concluded last year, resulting in prison sentences for all defendants, with the main defendant receiving the maximum sentence of 20 years.
Pelicot's bravery in advocating for an open trial, stating "so that the shame shifts sides," not only brought international attention but also led to significant changes in France’s rape laws, highlighting the impact of her case on legal reform and societal awareness regarding sexual violence.
The Legion of Honour Medal is often given for extraordinary achievements and contributions to the nation. Pelicot's contributions extend beyond her personal story, as she has become an international icon for women's rights, inspiring countless others to speak out and seek justice.
Pelicot's impact is evident not only in legal reforms but also in her recognition as one of the world’s most influential people by various international media outlets. In addition to the Legion of Honour, Pelicot received the 2025 Freedom Prize, an award given by the Région Normandie, which was accepted on her behalf by her son.
Yvette Levy, a 99-year-old Auschwitz survivor, also received the Legion of Honour Medal. Levy's survival and resilience, as well as her contributions to Holocaust education and remembrance, were key factors in her receiving the prestigious award.
The recipients of the Legion of Honour Medal were honoured on a Sunday, marking a day of celebration for these extraordinary individuals. Among them was Pharrell Williams, a 52-year-old American star known for his work as a singer, rapper, music producer, and fashion designer. The artistic director of men's collections at the French luxury brand Louis Vuitton, William Williams, also attended the ceremony.
William Williams, a 52-year-old American, has been the artistic director of men's collections at Louis Vuitton since 2023, and he is also successful as a music producer and fashion designer.
Pelicot, who has maintained a low public profile since the trial, is currently working on a book that will tell her side of the story in more detail, scheduled for release in 2026. Her legacy is transforming French society’s approach to rape and victim support, encouraging more survivors to speak out and seek justice.
- Gisele Pelicot, despite her immense accomplishments and impact, expressed on two occasions, "I'm not going to be able to do this," referring to her reservations about sharing her traumatic experiences in the public eye.
- Gisele Pelicot's influence reaches beyond women's health and sexual health, extending into general news and crime and justice, as her case exposed a significant flaw in France’s rape laws and led to changes in societal awareness.
- In addition to her humanitarian work and advocacy, Gisele Pelicot's book, scheduled for release in 2026, promises to delve into science and health-and-wellness aspects of her personal story, which will likely contribute to the ongoing conversation about survivor health and resilience.
