Buddhist Mayor Sparks Outrage with Insensitive Remark: ‘They’re Not Dead’ After 50 Women Come Forward with Shocking Sex Assault Claims
French Mayor Apologizes for Insensitive Comments on Sexual Assault Case
In France, the mayor of a small town has apologized for making insensitive comments about a woman who was sexually assaulted by dozens of people at the instigation of her husband.
Louis Bonnet, mayor of Majean, south-east France, where the incident took place, initially said, “The situation could have been worse. There were no children involved and no women died.”
He added, “No one died. It will be difficult for the family, but they will be able to rebuild their lives.”
However, his comments sparked fierce criticism from the public, with some calling for his resignation as mayor.
Mayor Bonnet later issued a statement apologizing to the victims and their families. “I know my comments were shocking, and I am truly sorry,” he said. “I would like to apologize to the women who were hurt by my inconsiderate comments.”
The case involves Dominique Pellico (72), who sedated his wife Giselle Pellico (72) between 2011 and 2020, causing her to lose consciousness, and then invited anonymous men he had recruited online to his home to sexually assault her. Fifty men who participated in the assaults are currently on trial.
