French Lawyer's Dance Video Sparks Fury Amid Mass Rape Trial

In a shocking turn of events, Nadia El Bouroumi, a defense attorney representing two of the 50 men accused in a mass rape case, has ignited public outrage with a controversial social media post. The lawyer shared a video of herself dancing to Wham!'s 1984 hit "Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go" on Instagram, where she has nearly 52,000 followers.

The case in question involves Gisèle Pelicot, a 72-year-old woman allegedly drugged and raped by multiple men over a decade, with her husband Dominique Pelicot accused of orchestrating the assaults. The trial, which began in early September 2024, has captivated France and raised awareness about chemical submission in sexual crimes.

El Bouroumi's video, posted on September 22, 2024, shows her dancing in her car, flexing her biceps, and giving thumbs up. The caption reads: "To all extremists in thought who are trying to muzzle me, this is for you." This behavior has drawn criticism for its perceived insensitivity to the gravity of the case.

The attorney's social media presence has been a source of controversy throughout the trial. She has posted updates that many view as unprofessional, including one where she exclaims, "I'm out of the Pelicot trial, whew!" Her courtroom conduct has also been questioned, with reports of her raising her voice against the victim and implying potential consensual activities.

In response to the backlash, El Bouroumi issued an apology, stating: "I want to clarify that the recently shared and commented on video has been hijacked. I'm deeply sorry if my words were misunderstood. At no point have I tried to make fun of Gisèle Pellicot, who I consider to be a fragile person and victim in this case." She has since filed a harassment complaint due to the threats received.

Fellow legal professionals have condemned El Bouroumi's actions. Alain Lothe, a criminal lawyer in Marseille, told La Provence: "To go on social networks and sing a verse from this song seems to me to be unworthy and not in keeping with the demands we make as lawyers."

"I'm deeply sorry if my words were misunderstood. At no point have I tried to make fun of Gisèle Pellicot, who I consider to be a fragile person and victim in this case."

The incident has sparked discussions about the ethical use of social media by legal professionals and the treatment of sensitive cases in the public eye. It also highlights the ongoing challenges in addressing sexual violence and victim support in France, where approximately 213,000 women experience domestic violence annually.

El Bouroumi's personal history, as reported in a 2012 profile, includes overcoming forced marriage at 16 and domestic abuse. She pursued law while working as a hairdresser, completing her legal education in two years and beginning her practice in 2008.

As the trial continues, the focus remains on the serious allegations against the 50 accused men and the broader implications for addressing sexual violence in French society.