Gisele Pelicot receives applause after leaving the courtroom in her husband's rape trial

Gisele Pelicot received thunderous applause as she left a French court after a trial involving her husband and 50 other people. At 72, she was the victim of a heinous crime orchestrated by her husband: he gave her sleeping pills and anti-anxiety drugs and allegedly recruited strangers on the internet to rape her.

A video captures the moment dozens of supporters cheer Gisele Pelicot as she leaves court in Avignon, accused of abusing her by soliciting strangers to sexually assault her while she was unconscious.

Last week, the hearing of Dominique Pelicot, an important part of one of France's most important criminal trials, was postponed due to his poor health.

Social media was flooded with responses praising Gisele's bravery. One Instagram user commented on her strength and the importance of holding men accountable for such acts. Another person expressed a desire to support her during this horrific ordeal in the hope that justice will be served.

A third person praised her bravery and said it would inspire many women around the world. A fourth person hoped she would be able to rebuild her life and overcome the trauma.

Dominique Pelicot, 71, is on trial for drugging his wife and asking strangers to rape her while she was unconscious. He admitted the charges, declaring in court: “I am a rapist, like the others in this room,” and recognized the other defendants.

He regretted his actions and asked his wife, children and grandchildren for forgiveness, although he was aware of the unforgivability of his actions.

Dominique is said to have committed these crimes against Gisele Pelicot for almost ten years. During this time, she was unaware of the assaults and suffered from serious health problems, including sexually transmitted diseases.

The Frenchman's crimes were exposed in 2020 when he was arrested for filming women up their skirts. Police found evidence of rape on his laptop and informed his wife. Nude pictures of his daughter were also reportedly discovered on his device.