Gisèle Pélicot delivered a powerful statement in a French court on Tuesday, condemning the cowardice of the numerous men accused of orchestrating a decade-long nightmare of mass rape against her.

In a harrowing account that has captivated and horrified audiences worldwide, she asserted that this trial represents a critical moment in addressing the deeply ingrained patriarchal attitudes in society.

Her husband, Dominique Pélicot, took the stand and admitted to drugging Gisèle, now 71, while inviting strangers into their home to commit horrific acts of abuse while she lay unconscious.

Despite the weight of the evidence, including disturbing videos captured by him, most of the 50 men on trial have denied any wrongdoing, a stance that has only intensified the public outcry surrounding the case.

"I call it a trial of cowardice—there's no other description," Gisèle stated as she addressed the courtroom for the third time in the proceedings, which are expected to conclude with verdicts and sentences around December 20th.

This case has not only exposed the shocking actions of these men but also put a spotlight on a society that often turns a blind eye to the horrors of sexual violence.

Gisèle sparked outrage when she revealed that she only became aware of her husband's heinous actions when police uncovered videos documenting the abuse.

The footage, shown in court, depicts her lying motionless, sometimes snoring, while some accused men carried out their acts.

This evidence raises profound questions about consent, morality, and the responsibility of bystanders.

Many of the defendants claimed ignorance, asserting they were unaware they were committing rape, and attempted to shift the blame to Dominique, describing him as a manipulative figure who misled them.

"It is time for society to confront its macho, patriarchal roots and fundamentally reevaluate how we perceive and respond to rape," Gisèle insisted in her address.

Remarkably, she chose to have the trial open to the public despite having the option for it to be closed, hoping that her courage would encourage other survivors to come forward and demonstrate that victims should never feel shame over their experiences.

"Rape is rape," she affirmed passionately.

"When you enter a bedroom and see a motionless body, how can you not react? Why was there no one brave enough to report this crime?"

The emotional weight of the trial was further amplified by the presence of their two sons, who urged the court to impose severe punishment on their father, declaring him dead to them.

Reports also surfaced that their sister believes she too was a victim of Dominique's abuse.

In a chilling twist, Dominique is expected to address the court later, with his lawyer Beatrice Navarro revealing he is feeling profound isolation and regret.

"He did what he did. That’s undeniable. But we must remember he is completely alone in this," she stated.

As this high-profile trial continues, it has become a crucial moment for conversations around consent, accountability, and the necessity for societal change regarding perceptions of sexual violence.

Will Gisèle's brave stand lead to the much-needed transformation in France's legal and moral approach to such crimes? The world watches closely.