Daughter of Mass Rape Convict Accuses Father of Sexual Assault

Caroline Darian, daughter of Dominique Pelicot, who was sentenced for orchestrating the mass rape of his ex-wife, has filed charges against him, claiming he drugged and sexually assaulted her. This complex case is set to undergo renewed investigation amidst ongoing public scrutiny.

Caroline Darian, the daughter of Gisèle Pelicot, is pressing charges against her father, Dominique Pelicot, alleging that he drugged and raped her—allegations that he has consistently denied. The disturbing accusations emerge in the wake of Pelicot's conviction last December, where he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for drugging his ex-wife Gisèle and allowing multiple men to sexually abuse her over nearly a decade. Pelicot had infamously documented the abuses, capturing the heinous acts on hundreds of neatly organized videos found on a hard drive.

Among the troubling evidence are two photos of Darian, in which she claims to appear unconscious and in unfamiliar clothing. Dominique Pelicot has provided varying explanations for these images but maintains his innocence regarding any assault on his daughter. In previous statements, Caroline expressed her conviction that the photos serve as evidence of her father's wrongdoing. "I know that he drugged me, probably for sexual abuse. But I don't have any evidence," she mentioned to the BBC earlier this year, detailing the trauma of seeing those photos for the first time.

The legal ordeal is set for a fresh examination, with police now commencing an investigation into Ms. Darian's allegations. The prosecution will later determine if these claims warrant a trial. Dominique Pelicot’s attorney, Béatrice Zavarro, characterized Darian’s move as “unsurprising,” but noted that previous investigations found insufficient evidence to charge him with the assault on his daughter.

Previously overshadowed by her mother’s highly publicized case, Ms. Darian has long felt marginalized, claiming she was the “forgotten victim” during the extended 16-week trial that captivated France. In an interview with Elle France, she described her charges as “symbolic,” emphasizing her belief that she has been a victim of drug-facilitated abuse, despite never being recognized as such. To support her case, she has enlisted lawyer Florence Rault, who has a history of fighting for justice on behalf of assault victims.

Furthermore, Ms. Rault pointed out that Ms. Darian was never provided with gynecological assessments or drug tests, which she argues could be vital in verifying her claims. The previous investigations have seemingly focused solely on Gisèle Pelicot, leaving Darian feeling like a “peripheral victim” in her own right.

Dominique Pelicot’s case has broader implications, as 49 accomplices were also sentenced for their roles in the mass rape of Gisèle Pelicot. As the legal battles continue, several of these men are now appealing their convictions, further complicating an already complex situation. The initial trial, which spanned from September to December 2024, gained extensive media attention partly due to Gisèle Pelicot’s courageous decision to forfeit her anonymity and make her story public.

As investigations resume into the latest accusations against Dominique Pelicot, the Pelicot family's tragic narrative unravels, highlighting the palpable impact of sexual violence both within familial relationships and in the broader societal landscape.