‘PELICOT 2.0’ CASE TAKES A DARKER TURN AS EX-WIFE REVEALS YEARS OF ALLEGED ABUSE

A woman whose ex-husband is accused of drugging his wife and allowing other men to sexually abuse her has come forward with disturbing allegations about the violence she says she experienced during their own marriage.

A shocking case in Austria, already being compared to the notorious Gisèle Pelicot case in France, has taken another disturbing turn after the accused man’s former wife described what she says was a history of violence and coercive behavior.

Robert Aichinger, 51, is under investigation following the death of his wife, Daniela Aichinger, 39, in Marchtrenk, Austria.

Daniela was discovered dead by her teenage daughter in June. Her husband initially reportedly claimed that her death followed a sexual encounter that had gone wrong.

But a subsequent autopsy raised serious questions about that explanation.

Investigators reportedly found severe injuries consistent with prolonged sexual abuse, while toxicology indicated that Daniela had been heavily intoxicated and unable to protect herself.

A CASE THAT SHOCKED AUSTRIA

The investigation reportedly uncovered messages on Aichinger’s phone that investigators believe may point to a much darker picture.

According to reports, investigators found communications allegedly discussing Daniela’s non-consensual abuse and arrangements involving other men.

Aichinger is accused of allowing other men access to his wife while she was incapacitated, allegedly receiving money in return.

One alleged message reportedly referred to Daniela in dehumanizing terms, while other communications allegedly discussed plans to incapacitate and abuse her.

A neighbor has also been arrested in connection with the investigation and is accused of sexually abusing Daniela. Authorities are examining whether additional people may have been involved.

THEN HIS EX-WIFE SPOKE OUT

The case became even more disturbing when Aichinger’s former wife described what she says was her own experience during their relationship.

She has alleged that Aichinger was physically abusive and controlling during their marriage.

Her account reportedly includes claims of serious physical violence and abuse involving their pet.

She also alleged that his behavior became increasingly aggressive and that he pressured her into sexual situations she did not want.

Those allegations have not been determined in court, but they have added another layer to an investigation that authorities are still pursuing.

WHY IT IS BEING CALLED ‘PELICOT 2.0’

The Austrian investigation has drawn comparisons with the case of Gisèle Pelicot, whose former husband, Dominique Pelicot, was convicted in France after drugging her and arranging for numerous men to sexually abuse her over almost a decade.

The French case became one of the world’s most closely watched sexual-abuse trials.

Gisèle Pelicot waived her anonymity and insisted that the proceedings be held publicly, turning the case into a global symbol of courage and resistance against sexual violence.

Dominique Pelicot was ultimately sentenced to 20 years in prison after being convicted of rape and other offenses.

The Austrian case is not connected to the French investigation, but the alleged pattern of a husband facilitating the abuse of an incapacitated wife has prompted the comparison.

THE INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

Aichinger and another man have been arrested as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding Daniela’s death and whether others participated in the alleged abuse.

Authorities are also investigating whether the events that led to Daniela’s death were part of a wider pattern rather than an isolated incident.

For investigators, a central question remains:

How long had the alleged abuse been happening — and how many people may have known about it?

The investigation remains ongoing, and the allegations against Aichinger and the other suspects have not been proven in court.

But the revelations have already sent shockwaves through Austria — and raised fresh questions about the hidden forms of abuse that can exist behind the walls of an apparently ordinary home.

Daniela’s story is now at the center of an investigation that could reveal just how far the alleged abuse went.