“I HAD NEVER EXPERIENCED HIM LIKE THAT BEFORE” — EX-WIFE REVEALS ALLEGED ABUSE BY HUSBAND AT CENTER OF “PELICOT 2.0” CASE

The former wife of an Austrian man accused of allowing other men to sexually abuse his unconscious wife has come forward with disturbing allegations about her own marriage to him.

A chilling case in Austria has taken another disturbing turn after the former wife of a man accused of facilitating the sexual abuse of his current wife revealed allegations of violence and coercive behavior from their own marriage.

The case has been compared by prosecutors to the notorious Gisèle Pelicot case in France, after investigators allegedly uncovered evidence that Robert Aichinger, 51, allowed other men access to his wife, Daniela Aichinger, 39, while she was allegedly unconscious.

Daniela was found dead at the couple’s home in Marchtrenk, Austria, on June 25.

Her teenage daughter reportedly discovered her body on a waterbed.

Authorities initially heard Aichinger’s account that his wife had died during what he described as rough sex. However, an autopsy later revealed fatal injuries, prompting investigators to examine the circumstances surrounding her death more closely.

EX-WIFE DESCRIBES ALLEGED ATTACK

Now, Aichinger’s unnamed former wife, 48, has described what she says was a violent incident during their marriage.

According to her account, Aichinger had asked her to participate in sexual activities involving other couples.

She said she refused.

The woman alleges that Aichinger then sat on her and repeatedly punched her in the face with both fists.

She reportedly suffered a broken jaw, along with bruising around her jaw and cheekbone.

She told police that she had never seen him behave that way before and said the experience left her terrified.

The former wife also alleged that Aichinger had severely beaten their pet dog, describing the incident as another example of behavior that left her frightened of him.

A WIDER INVESTIGATION

The allegations have emerged as investigators examine the circumstances surrounding Daniela’s death.

According to reports cited by The Sun, investigators searching Aichinger’s phone allegedly found messages suggesting that other men had been given access to Daniela while she was unconscious.

Authorities also reportedly found a search on his phone from the day before Daniela’s death relating to ways of incapacitating a person.

Investigators allege that Aichinger repeatedly allowed other men to sexually abuse his wife in exchange for money, reportedly charging around €500 per encounter.

One of the men allegedly involved was a neighbor, who has also been arrested.

Several other suspects are reportedly under investigation.

THE MESSAGES THAT CHANGED THE INVESTIGATION

Police reportedly discovered a series of disturbing messages exchanged between Aichinger and another man.

According to reports, the messages allegedly discussed Daniela’s condition and whether she was conscious or consenting.

Investigators also reportedly found a photograph of Daniela while she was unconscious.

The evidence has become a central part of the investigation into whether her death was connected to a prolonged pattern of abuse.

Aichinger is accused of facilitating the assaults, but the allegations have yet to be tested fully in court.

WHY THE CASE IS BEING COMPARED TO GISÈLE PELICOT

The case has drawn comparisons to the internationally known case of Gisèle Pelicot, whose former husband, Dominique Pelicot, was convicted in France after drugging her and inviting other men to sexually assault her over a period of years.

Gisèle Pelicot chose to waive her anonymity and insisted that the proceedings be held publicly.

Her decision turned her into a global symbol for victims of sexual violence and sparked a wider debate about consent, drug-facilitated abuse and the responsibility of bystanders and participants.

Dominique Pelicot and dozens of other men were convicted in December 2024.

The Austrian investigation is not the same case, but prosecutors have reportedly highlighted similarities between the two situations.

DANIELA’S FINAL HOURS

The circumstances surrounding Daniela’s final hours remain at the center of the investigation.

She was found with severe injuries after allegedly being sexually assaulted while unconscious.

Her husband was reportedly intoxicated when emergency responders arrived.

His initial explanation was that the injuries occurred during rough sex.

But investigators later examined the forensic evidence and his electronic communications, leading to a much wider investigation.

The allegations made by his former wife have now added another layer to the case, raising questions about whether investigators may uncover evidence of earlier violent or coercive behavior.

A CASE THAT CONTINUES TO UNFOLD

For Daniela’s family, the investigation is now focused on understanding exactly what happened inside the home and whether her death could have been prevented.

For investigators, the evidence reportedly recovered from phones, forensic examinations and witness accounts could prove crucial.

And the allegations from Aichinger’s former wife may become another piece of evidence investigators consider as they examine his background.

The case remains under investigation, and allegations against the suspects have not been proven in court.

But one thing has already become clear:

What initially appeared to be a disturbing account of a fatal sexual encounter has developed into a much broader investigation into alleged coercion, violence and repeated abuse.

And investigators are now looking far beyond the night Daniela Aichinger died.