Gisèle Pelicot, who has endured a decade of abuse from her husband and multiple men, made a powerful statement in court during her final appearance against her abusers. She characterized the defense arguments of the 51 accused men as cowardly, emphasizing a pervasive culture of denial surrounding sexual violence. According to Pelicot, the men claimed to have been coerced or drugged during the assaults, which she decried as yet another tactic to evade accountability.

In her powerful address, Pelicot reflected on the emotional toll of the trial, acknowledging her own fatigue while standing firm against the ingrained patriarchal norms that perpetuate a male-centric perspective on rape. She called for a change in societal perceptions, urging the audience and the legal community to rethink how such cases are handled, highlighting the need for greater empathy and understanding towards victims of sexual violence.

The trial's implications extend beyond the courtroom, demanding a societal reckoning with the systemic issues of abuse and victim-blaming. Pelicot's courage to confront her abusers publicly serves as a catalyst for discussions about gender-based violence in France and encourages other survivors to share their stories, aiming for stronger legal protections and cultural shifts away from patriarchal views.