Gisèle Pelicot live at The Southbank Centre
I felt priviledged to have been at Gisèle Pelicot's UK launch of her extraordinary memoir, A Hymn to Life: Shame Has to Change Sides, as she told her story for the very first time.
Her book telling the horrific ordeal she’s been through came out last week in 22 languages. It’s part memoir and an act of ultimate defiance.
The audiobook is narrated by Emma Thomson.
Gisèle Pelicot inspired and moved millions of people with her astonishing courage and dignity when she chose to waive her right to anonymity in her legal fight against her husband and the 50 men accused of her sexual assault.
The event was chaired by journalist, writer and broadcaster Samira Ahmed, with readings from the book by Juliet Stevenson, Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and Kate Winslet.
Gisèle Pelicot spoke in French. English interpretation was provided on a big screen and through an earpiece you were handed out. There was also sign language. It felt all so inclusive. A big sold-out Royal Festival Hall filled with an audience of international people (mostly women I would guess).
The love and respect for Mme Pelicot was very much felt in roaring applauses throughout the event. There was something super special to be there. A vibe, a sense of understanding, a notion that she is trying to change how sexual assault and abuse is seen and dealt with by law.
An evening I won’t forget for a long time. Watching and listening to a woman, who at 73 finds herself to be a feminist icon. Her strength and resilience reverberated throughout the hall.
Here is the exclusive interview Mme Pericot gave to Newsnight.