Gisele Pelicot and Pharrell Williams were among 589 distinguished individuals named to France’s Legion of Honour on Sunday, the country’s highest civilian award, announced ahead of Bastille Day on July 14.
At 72, Pelicot has become a symbol of resilience and courage. Her public testimony during the 2024 trial of her ex-husband—who orchestrated and enabled over a decade of sexual abuse against her—sparked a national reckoning. Her brave account not only earned her global recognition but also played a pivotal role in driving reforms to France’s sexual violence laws. Though she has remained out of the public eye since the verdict, her lawyer revealed she’s currently working on a memoir, expected in 2026.
Pharrell Williams, 52, was also named a Knight of the Legion. Renowned first as a groundbreaking music artist and producer, he later made his mark in fashion. Since 2023, he’s served as the men’s creative director for Louis Vuitton. His recent Paris runway show drew A-list figures such as Beyoncé, Jay Z, Spike Lee, Steve McQueen, and several global sports stars.
Other notable honorees include actress Léa Drucker, iconic singer Sylvie Vartan, best-selling author Marc Levy, and 99-year-old Holocaust survivor Yvette Lévy. A wide range of public servants, legal experts, and scholars also made the list, highlighting a celebration of excellence across disciplines.
