Podcast Summary: Hoy por Hoy – "Comando Norte | 'Si el juicio del caso Pelicot no hubiera sido abierto, Gisele se habría enfrentado sola a esos 50 hombres'"

Date: October 21, 2025
Host: Àngels Barceló
Guest Contributors: Nacho Carretero, Aitana Castaño, Raquel Villaécija (author and journalist)

Overview

This episode of Hoy por Hoy centers around the high-profile and harrowing "Caso Pelicot," focusing on the aftermath, the judicial process, and the media’s role in covering the trial. Special attention is given to La vergüenza, a new book by Raquel Villaécija, who spent nearly 15 weeks inside the courtroom during the trial in Avignon. The conversation offers critical insight into both the events themselves and the challenges of reporting on such deeply troubling cases, emphasizing themes of societal responsibility, the complexities of consent, and the lived experience of both victim and journalist.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Stories and Prize Week Atmosphere

(00:22–04:19)

• Casual opening with anecdotes about airline frustrations, eventually segueing into the cultural significance of the Princess of Asturias Awards Week.
• Reference to remarkable figures present, such as Serena Williams and Mario Draghi.
• Celebratory nod to photography as a medium for understanding society, spotlighting Graciela Iturbide’s ability to reveal Mexican customs through her lens.

2. The Emotional Toll of Reporting

(04:19–06:17)

• Nacho Carretero reflects on the psychological barriers journalists use and inevitably struggle with while covering distressing cases (referencing his own work on Pablo Ibar).
• Both reporters and photographers recognize the need for distance but attest to the impossibility of complete detachment.
  • Quote: "A poco que no tengas una especie de psicopatía te lo llevas puesto porque es inevitable." – Nacho Carretero (05:01)

3. Introducing Raquel Villaécija and 'La vergüenza'

(06:17–09:26)

• Reunion between Aitana and Raquel, bringing a personal touch as they recognize each other from university.
• Introduction of Raquel's motivations: initial reluctance gives way to sustained commitment as she witnesses the trial's profound gravity and complexity.

4. Behind the Headlines: The Trial’s Social Ecosystem

(08:31–09:26)

• The book is presented as not only a case study but also a chronicle of the unique microcosm formed by victims, the accused, journalists, and lawyers.
  • Quote: “En las crónicas diarias contábamos un 10% de todo lo que vivimos ahí. Y el libro también era un poco plasmar esa experiencia, ese viaje que hicimos en realidad todos juntos.” – Raquel Villaécija (08:57)

5. Gisele Pelicot and the Importance of a Public Trial

(10:01–12:50)

• Broadcasts a statement from Giselle Pelicot, emphasizing transparency and gratitude toward respectful journalistic coverage.
  • Quote (Giselle): "Nunca me he arrepentido de esta decisión. Confío ahora en nuestra capacidad de aprovechar colectivamente un futuro en el que cada uno de nosotros, hombres y mujeres, podamos vivir en armonía, con respeto y comprensión mutuos." (10:17)
• Raquel notes that most correspondents were women and suggests that this gender composition fostered a more sensitive and less sensationalist environment.
  • Quote: “No voy a decir que como mujeres quizá tenemos una sensibilidad hacia este tipo de temas mayor, pero lo voy a decir con tu permiso.” – Raquel Villaécija (11:38)
• The visibility and presence of journalists spared Gisele from facing the accused alone, serving as indirect support.

6. The Shocking Impact of Video Evidence

(13:12–15:53)

• A turning point: in this case, the presence and public display of video evidence left no room for doubt and forced a direct confrontation with the reality of chemical submission rape.
• Raquel describes the numbing effect and the haunting silence in the room during video viewings.
  • Quote: “La constatación de los vídeos era aplastante. Ella está inconsciente. […] la violencia del silencio era muy violento.” – Raquel Villaécija (14:09)

7. Giselle’s Courage and Redefining Consent

(15:12–16:25)

• Giselle’s insistence that the videos be shown to all epitomizes her bravery and the need to widely understand the nuanced realities of rape and consent.
  • Quote: “Ella decía la gente tiene que ver esto... una violación también es esto.” – Raquel Villaécija (15:41)

8. Complexities of Accused and Legal Teams

(16:25–16:39)

• Unusual dynamic: The main accused’s lawyer, also a woman, had an interest in seeing all perpetrators punished, complicating the courtroom allegiances.
• The defense team for Giselle comprised two men; the perpetrator's defense, a woman.

9. Understanding the Accused

(17:19–19:55)

• Attempting to make sense of how dozens of seemingly "normal" men from a close geographic area (the Vaucluse department) participated in these crimes.
• Many had histories of being abused themselves, but most led “corrientes” (ordinary) lives.
  • Quote: “Al principio dijimos que eran hombres normales, pero no lo eran. Eran hombres con vidas corrientes, que no es lo mismo.” – Raquel Villaécija (18:51)

10. Giselle and Dominique: An Unbreakable Yet Tragic Bond

(19:55–21:34)

• Exploration of the painful, complex relationship between Gisele and her husband Dominique, highlighting enduring bonds and the unanswerable question of how love can exist amidst horror.
  • Quote: “No es si la quiere, sino cómo la quiere. Cómo la quiso.” – Raquel Villaécija (21:31)

11. Women’s Solidarity and the Societal Challenge of Denunciation

(21:34–24:06)

• Recalls the regular presence of women in the public gallery, expressing solidarity with Gisele and learning from the process.
• Explores why so few rape victims report their assaults, citing French statistics (only 6% report) and the enormous toll of being disbelieved and attacked during the process.
  • Quote: “No me extraña que las mujeres no denuncien.” – Raquel Villaécija (23:36)

12. Aftermath for the Reporter

(24:06–24:54)

• Raquel admits that, although she sometimes finds respite, a part of her remains trapped by the experience.
  • Quote: “Yo creo que una parte de mí, un pedacito de mí, yo no conseguía salir del tribunal.” – Raquel Villaécija (24:22)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the emotional burden of reporting:
  "A poco que no tengas una especie de psicopatía te lo llevas puesto porque es inevitable." – Nacho Carretero (05:01)

• On Giselle’s bravery and the rare support from media:
  "Si no hubiera abierto su juicio al público, no hubiera habido periodistas en la sala, hubiera estado sola con esos 50 hombres y su defensa." – Raquel Villaécija (12:13)

• On the role reversal and complexity in the courtroom:
  "La abogada del principal acusado es una mujer que en realidad va en el mismo bando que Giselle porque quiere que los otros 50 sean condenados." – Raquel Villaécija (16:39)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Opening and context setting: 00:22–04:19
• Emotional impact of journalism: 04:19–06:17
• Raquel Villaécija’s introduction and book genesis: 06:17–09:26
• What the daily news misses: 08:31–09:26
• Giselle Pelicot’s statement, trial’s public visibility: 10:01–12:50
• Why this coverage was different: 11:28–12:50
• Impact of video evidence: 13:12–15:53
• Legal team dynamics and complexities: 16:25–16:39
• Understanding the accused: 17:19–19:55
• The relationship between Giselle and Dominique: 19:55–21:34
• Solidarity from women and reporting challenges: 21:34–24:06
• Aftermath and personal toll for Raquel: 24:06–24:54

Concluding Remarks

Hoy por Hoy delivers a gripping, sensitive, and multi-layered look into the judicial and human aspects of the Pelicot case. The conversation, anchored by real experiences and deep empathy, unravels not only the procedural details but the emotional journeys of all involved—from the victim and the accused to the courtroom journalists. It is a testament to the evolving landscape of media, the necessity for transparency, and the enduring challenge of justice in cases of sexual violence.