How a shocking case reignited France’s #MeToo movement

Summary

Podcast Summary: Apple News Today – "How a Shocking Case Reignited France’s #MeToo Movement"

Release Date: December 18, 2024
Host: Sumita Basu

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Introduction

In this episode of Apple News Today, host Sumita Basu navigates through several pivotal stories shaping our world. From a landmark trial in France that has reignited the #MeToo movement, to President-elect Donald Trump's controversial plan to relocate federal jobs from Washington D.C., and the alarming ways climate change is disrupting the home insurance industry. Additionally, groundbreaking medical advancements and significant political developments are also covered. This summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the episode.

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1. Gisele Pellico’s Trial and the Resurgence of France’s #MeToo Movement

Background of the Case
The episode opens with a gripping account of Gisele Pellico's trial in France, a case that has shocked the nation and drawn international attention. Pellico stands at the forefront of a massive sexual abuse scandal involving her ex-husband, Dominique, and over 70 men. Over a decade, Dominique drugged Pellico and orchestrated her abuse by arranging encounters through chat rooms with men aged between 26 and 74 from diverse backgrounds.

Pellico’s Courageous Stand
Pellico made headlines by rejecting her right to anonymity, demanding a public trial not just for her ex-husband but for all involved. Her stance aims to empower survivors and eradicate the shame associated with abuse.

Gisele Pellico (02:01): "It was hard to recognize myself. Then the officer showed me a second photo and a third. My world fell apart. I'm speaking now not for myself, but for all the women who are drugged and abused."

Legal Definitions and Debates
Legal expert Alex English from Marie Claire provides insight into how France currently defines consent and rape, highlighting the complexity and gray areas within the legal framework.

Alex English (02:35): "Consent is really a contested grey area in France. The French law defines rape as an act of sexual penetration committed by violence, coercion, threat, or surprise. And so Giselle's case falls into that surprise category."

Calls for Legal Reform
The trial has ignited a national debate on whether France's legal definitions of rape adequately recognize the nuances of consent. Efforts are underway to amend the laws to explicitly state that any sexual act without consent constitutes rape, and that consent can be revoked at any time. Additionally, provisions are being considered for situations where individuals are in compromised mental or physical states and cannot provide valid consent.

Alex English (03:42): "Women's rights activists and lawmakers have been trying to amend that wording to say that sex without consent is rape, and also that consent can be withdrawn at any time."

Impact on the #MeToo Movement in France
Historically, the #MeToo movement struggled to gain traction in France. However, Pellico's case has galvanized public support, especially among women, leading to increased solidarity and more survivors coming forward.

Alex English (04:35): "I have read reports that more women have already started to come forward, which I think is a huge positive sign that things will change."

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2. President-Elect Trump's Proposal to Move 100,000 Federal Jobs Out of D.C.

Trump’s Ambitious Plan
President-elect Donald Trump has announced his intention to relocate 100,000 federal jobs from Washington D.C., a move that would affect approximately one-third of the city's federal workforce.

Historical Context and Comparisons
Reporter Todd Frankel from The Washington Post draws parallels between Trump's proposal and similar initiatives by past presidents, noting that both Reagan and Clinton had previously suggested cutting 100,000 federal jobs.

Todd Frankel (05:22): "When Reagan came in back in the 80s, he talked about cutting 100,000 federal jobs. And actually, even when Clinton came In the 90s, he talked about the same number cutting 100,000."

Targeting the "Deep State"
Unlike previous administrations, Trump is focusing specifically on jobs based in D.C., referring to them as part of the "deep state" he frequently mentions during his campaigns.

Todd Frankel (05:32): "He really wants to sort of target this deep state that he's talked plenty about on the campaign trail and during his previous administration."

Challenges and Past Attempts
Trump's earlier attempt in 2019 to move approximately 1,300 jobs encountered significant hurdles. For instance, the relocation of the Bureau of Land Management to Grand Junction, Colorado, resulted in minimal staff retention, with only a handful of employees relocating successfully.

Todd Frankel (05:56): "So they opened up this new headquarters in Grand Junction, Colorado... and like three or four employees showed up, right. So everyone else left. They've lost lots of experienced workers, lots of folks who knew how the agency run. It was seen as a bit of a disaster."

Economic Implications
Economists warn that moving 100,000 jobs could have a devastating impact on the D.C. economy, which supports a population of around 6 million people. The feasibility of relocating such a vast number of jobs remains uncertain without displacing major agencies like the Pentagon or the National Institutes of Health.

Todd Frankel (06:30): "100,000 jobs, if somehow he were to get to that number would be devastating even to a region that has 6 million people in it."

Arguments For and Against
While Trump's transition team argues that relocating these jobs could save over $1 billion in payroll costs by moving to less expensive areas, critics highlight the questionable nature of these savings and the potential disruption to governmental operations and loss of experienced personnel.

America First Policy Institute: "Moving these jobs would save over $1 billion in payroll costs by going to places they claim are less expensive."

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3. Climate Change’s Impact on Home Insurance

Insurers Pulling Out
Climate change is increasingly influencing the home insurance landscape. Major insurers like Allstate and Liberty Mutual are withdrawing from high-risk areas, deeming the costs associated with extreme weather events unsustainable.

Rise of Non-Admitted Insurers
In response to the withdrawal of established insurers, smaller, less regulated companies known as non-admitted insurers are entering the market. These companies often lack backing from guarantee funds, posing significant risks to consumers.

Leslie Kaufman (07:46): "They say no one else wants you. We'll sell you an insurance policy at a price. But it's important for consumers to know these are not backed by a guarantee fund."

Financial Stability Concerns
Experts express concerns over the financial health of these new insurers. Many lack the robust financial structures of established companies, leading to worries about their ability to honor claims, especially in the face of severe weather events.

Leslie Kaufman (08:15): "We don't know what really will happen when they get hit by the next big storm, whether they will have enough reinsurance to cover all their claims or whether they'll go bankrupt and whether it'll affect people. It's a big gamble that's playing out right now."

Regional Impacts and State-Sponsored Insurance
States heavily impacted by extreme weather, such as California, Florida, and Louisiana, are witnessing a surge in demand for state-sponsored insurance programs. However, these programs are strained, as seen in Florida where the dependency on state insurance threatens its sustainability in the event of a major disaster.

Leslie Kaufman (08:46): "They don't have that protection, which means you run the risk of not getting a payout."

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4. Additional Stories Highlighted in the Apple News App

Congressional Leadership Changes
New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was unsuccessful in her bid to become the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. Instead, 74-year-old Jerry Connolly was elected to the position, receiving strong support from centrist Democrats and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi. Connolly, recently diagnosed with esophageal cancer, expressed his readiness to oversee the incoming Trump administration.

Trump’s Legal Battles with the Media
President-elect Trump is already engaged in legal actions against media entities. He has filed a lawsuit against the Des Moines Register over a pre-election poll favoring Vice President Kamala Harris in Iowa, which Trump claims constitutes election interference. Additionally, ABC News has agreed to pay $15 million in a defamation suit stemming from inaccurate statements made by anchor George Stephanopoulos.

Medical Breakthrough in Xenotransplantation
In a significant medical milestone, Tawana Looney from Alabama has been taken off dialysis after receiving a genetically modified pig kidney transplant, marking the first successful xenotransplantation in eight years. This groundbreaking procedure brings hope for future organ transplants and advancements in medical science.

Tawana Looney: "I feel blessed, full of energy, and can't wait to travel again."

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Conclusion

This episode of Apple News Today offers a comprehensive examination of pivotal events shaping societal, political, and environmental landscapes. From the resurgence of the #MeToo movement in France through Gisele Pellico's courageous trial, to the far-reaching implications of President-elect Trump's proposed relocation of federal jobs, the podcast provides in-depth analysis and expert insights. Additionally, the exploration of climate change's impact on the insurance industry and the coverage of significant medical and political developments underscore the podcast's commitment to delivering timely and impactful journalism.

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For more detailed coverage and continuous updates on these stories, listeners are encouraged to access the Apple News app.

Transcript

[Sumita Basu]

Good morning. It's Wednesday, December 18th. I'm Sumita Basu. This is Apple News Today. On today's show, why Trump wants to move 100,000 federal jobs out of D.C. how climate change is affecting home insurance across the country, and how scientists successfully transplanted a kidney from a pig to a human. But first to a trial in France. The world has been following in horror for months. And a warning. The segment has descriptions of sexual abuse. Any day now, judges will hand down verdicts for dozens of men accused of raping Gisele Pellico. She stunned the world by rejecting her right to anonymity and demanding a public trial for her now ex husband, Dominique, and at least 50 other people allegedly involved. She said she wants to show the world that survivors shouldn't be ashamed. Ashamed of abuse. Police say Pellico's ex husband, over the course of about a decade, repeatedly invited men to their home to rape her after he drugged her with sleeping pills, leaving her unconscious. He arranged the abuse in chat rooms with men between the ages of 26 and 74 from all walks of life. Police identified dozens of suspects from footage of the abuse her husband collected, but authorities believe more than 70 men were involved. Authorities started looking into the husband after he was caught filming up women's skirts in public. It was only until that incident was investigated that Pellico came to learn what happened to her. For years, she had been confused about strange symptoms. Losing her hair, losing weight, losing her memories. She says entire days would just disappear. She thought she might have Alzheimer's. Here is some of her testimony, translated by the BBC, about the day police notified her.

[Gisele Pellico]

It was hard to recognize myself. Then the officer showed me a second photo and a third. My world fell apart. I'm speaking now not for myself, but for all the women who are drugged and abused.

[Sumita Basu]

Peliko has received apologies from some of the defendants, including her ex husband, who confessed to everything. Others say they're innocent. If convicted, these men face sentences ranging from four to 20 years in prison. To understand where the case could go next, it's important to know how France defines consent.

[Alex English]

Consent is really a contested grey area in France. The French law defines rape as an act of sexual penetration committed by violence, coercion, threat, or surprise. And so Giselle's case falls into that surprise category.

[Sumita Basu]

That's Alex English with Marie Claire. She told us during the trial, some of the defendants made the argument that they were told she had consented because.

[Alex English]

They weren't a stranger in a dark car park, because they didn't have a knife because they didn't hold her down. You know, do all these, like, stereotypical movie Hollywood type ideas of rape so all these men could get up there and go, well, I didn't mean to do that. That wasn't my intention. I thought she was part of this. And then they're protected in that way.

[Sumita Basu]

The trial has sparked debate in France over whether the country's legal definition of rape does enough to recognize the role of consent. Last year, French Parliament considered adopting an EU resolution which would create a standard definition and punishment for rape across all member states. That failed, but more recently, French officials, including the President and the justice minister, have said they support amending the legal language.

[Alex English]

Women's rights activists and lawmakers have been trying to amend that wording to say that sex without consent is rape, and also that consent can be withdrawn at any time. And then on top of that, that there are certain mental and physical states that a person can be in where they cannot be considered to be giving consent. So, you know, having drunken too much, being in a poor mental state, things like that.

[Sumita Basu]

Whether that legal wording changes or not. The trial has shaken France. This is a country where the MeToo movement struggled to find footing. But in recent years, that's started to shift. A number of French women actors have filed lawsuits against male directors alleging abuse. And Pellico's case seemingly lit a fuse, drawing supporters, mostly women, to the court to cheer her on as she entered and left each day.

[Alex English]

I have read reports that more women have already started to come forward, which I think is a huge positive sign that things will change. I think what then matters is how they're treated once they come forward.

[Sumita Basu]

Let's turn now to Washington and one of President elect Trump's many promises to shake up D.C. he says he'll move 100,000 federal jobs out of the city, which would impact roughly 1 in 3 federal workers in the area. Now, it's not a new thing for incoming presidents to target what they see as government bloat. And Washington Post Enterprise reporter Todd Frankel told us this figure. 100,000 jobs has been popular.

[Todd Frankel]

When Reagan came in back in the 80s, he talked about cutting 100,000 federal jobs. And actually, even when Clinton came In the 90s, he talked about the same number cutting 100,000.

[Sumita Basu]

But what sets Trump apart is his focus on D.C. jobs.

[Todd Frankel]

He really wants to sort of target this deep state that he's talked plenty about on the campaign trail and during his previous administration.

[Sumita Basu]

Trump tried this on a smaller scale in 2019, moving a number of agencies out of D.C. about 1,300 jobs in all. Frankl says it didn't play out exactly as he imagined, like at the Bureau of Land Management.

[Todd Frankel]

So they opened up this new headquarters in Grand Junction, Colorado, which is a small city about three hours west of Denver. And like three or four employees showed up, right. So everyone else left. They've lost lots of experienced workers, lots of folks who knew how the agency run. It was seen as a bit of a disaster.

[Sumita Basu]

Frankel reports that short of moving the Pentagon, the National Institutes of Health, or another very large agency, it's not clear how Trump would move 100,000 jobs out of Washington. Still, local economists and leaders told him it would be a huge blow to their economy.

[Todd Frankel]

100,000 jobs, if somehow he were to get to that number would be devastating even to a region that has 6 million people in it.

[Sumita Basu]

Trump's transition team did not respond to a request for comment from the Post. The America First Policy Institute, a Trump aligned group, has argued that moving these jobs would save over $1 billion in payroll costs by going to places they claim are less expensive. Critics of the plan say Trump's past attempts prove that cost savings are questionable. And they say these plans interrupt government work and put experienced talent at risk. So far, Trump's team has named two small agencies they want to move. Together. They have about 1,000 people on staff. From hurricanes to wildfires, we are increasingly seeing how climate change can affect the cost of home insurance. Many big names in the insurance game, like Allstate and Liberty Mutual, have decided to pull out of some areas. They say it's just not worth the cost. As the price tag of extreme weather gets higher, and as these conventional, highly regulated insurers pull away, smaller, less regulated insurers are popping up to fill the.

[Leslie Kaufman]

Void they come in. They say no one else wants you. We'll sell you an insurance policy at a price. But it's important for consumers to know these are not backed by a guarantee fund.

[Sumita Basu]

That's Leslie Kaufman, who reports on climate change for Bloomberg News.

[Leslie Kaufman]

It essentially means that if your insurance company for some reason fails you as the person who bought the policy, still have a way to get paid out your claim. So that's a very important backup.

[Sumita Basu]

These smaller businesses, known as non admitted insurers, don't have that protection, which means you run the risk of not getting a payout. Kaufman found some of these companies are not as financially sound as more established insurers. They might be structured in a way that makes price hikes or sneaky hidden fees for consumers.

[Leslie Kaufman]

More likely, some experts who have looked at their balance sheets are deeply concerned. They do not feel that if they were in a regulated environment, they would be allowed to keep going.

[Sumita Basu]

These companies represent a small portion of the overall insurance market, but they're growing in high risk markets where homeowners have few other options, like in California, Florida and Louisiana. These states and others offer state sponsored insurance too, as a sort of last resort option. However, in Florida, officials have have said so many people use it because so many big insurance companies left that they're just one disaster away from serious trouble. And in California, many residents say the payout isn't enough to cover the full price of their properties. Kaufman says it really calls into question how long these sort of startup insurers will be around and what that means for the people buying into them.

[Leslie Kaufman]

We don't know what really will happen when they get hit by the next big storm, whether they will have enough reinsurance to cover all their claims or whether they'll go bankrupt and whether it'll affect people. It's a big gamble that's playing out right now.

[Sumita Basu]

Before we let you go, a few other stories being featured in the Apple News app. New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez lost her bid to be the top Democrat on the House's powerful Oversight committee. We talked about this on the show recently. Ocasio Cortez and another a number of other younger Democrats sought to replace aging members of the party who've held onto powerful positions, sometimes for decades, as they prepare for the second Trump administration. Yesterday, Democrats passed over Ocasio Cortez to elect 74 year old Jerry Connolly to that committee seat. NBC reports the votes were a litmus test of the future of the Democratic Party to get that younger, bolder leadership. But ultimately Connolly had strong support from former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other centrist Democrats. Connolly, who announced last month he was diagnosed with esophageal cancer, said he is ready to lead the committee in overseeing the incoming Trump administration. Meanwhile, President Elect Trump has made it clear that he's willing to go after the media even before stepping into office. He's suing the Des Moines Register over a poll released before Election Day that said Vice President Kamala Harris led the state by a significant margin. Trump ended up winning the state handily. The hell reports Trump accused the paper and its pollster of violating the state's consumer fraud laws, calling it election interference. The pollster, Jan Selzer, announced she was ending her polling work after the election in a separate media related case. Just a few days ago, ABC News agreed to pay $15 million in a defamation suit brought by Trump over inaccurate on air statements by the anchor George Stephanopoulos. And finally, for the first time in eight years, Tawana Looney, a woman from Alabama, is off of dialysis after receiving a kidney transplant from a genetically modified pig. That's according to the health publication Stat. She herself donated a kidney to her mother in the late 90s, but after a complicated pregnancy, her other kidney started to fail. It's the third time doctors have transplanted a pig kidney to a living recipient. And Stat reports the latest procedure inches us closer to a world where xenotransplant presentation is more common. Loony says she feels blessed, full of energy, and can't wait to travel again. You can find all these stories and more in the Apple News app. And if you're already listening in the News app right now, we've got a narrated article coming up next, all about risotto. No one knows for sure when this highly finicky but tasty rice dish first appeared or where exactly it came from, but the New Yorker tries to follow the trail while sampling a lot of varieties along the way. If you're listening in the podcast app, follow Apple News Narrated to find that story and I'll be back with the news tomorrow.