A 39-year-old woman in Austria was found dead after allegedly being drugged and sexually assaulted by her husband, with other men accused of taking part in the abuse. The disturbing case has been dubbed 'Pelicot 2.0' by local media because of its similarities to the horrific abuse suffered by French woman Gisèle Pelicot.
Daniela Aichinger reportedly suffered serious injuries before her death. Investigators are now examining allegations that her husband, Robert Aichinger, repeatedly incapacitated her and allowed other men to sexually assault her. The case has also raised an unsettling question: Did the infamous Pelicot case somehow provide a blueprint for others?
Ex-partner of 'Gisele Pelicot 2.0' husband whose wife died after 'being drugged and raped by other men' describes horrific abuse he subjected her and their pet dog to https://t.co/DCNjGzOWvZ
— Daily Mail (@DailyMail) September 10, 2026
Death of Daniela Aichinger
Daniela was found dead at her home in Marchtrenk, Austria, in June. According to reports, Robert initially told emergency responders that Daniela had been injured during 'rough sex'.
However, a post-mortem examination raised concerns about the circumstances surrounding her death. Investigators subsequently examined Robert's phone and uncovered messages in which he discussed his wife with other men.
One alleged exchange referred to Daniela as 'dead meat'. Other messages reportedly showed Robert acknowledging that his wife was not consenting, including one alleged text that read: 'She's not participating willingly.'
It was also reported that he searched online for ways to incapacitate someone shortly before Daniela's death.
Prosecutors allege that Robert repeatedly drugged his wife and arranged for other men to have sex with her. Reports have claimed that some of them paid up to €500 per encounter, equivalent to roughly £430.
A neighbour has also been arrested over allegations that he sexually assaulted Daniela on two occasions, including on the night she died.
In a heroic move, Gisele Pelicot fought to make public the videos of her unconscious rapes at the hands of over 50 men and won. She wanted the public “to look rape straight in the eyes.” Shame, she said, must change sides —from the victims to the perpetrators.
— Laila Mickelwait (@LailaMickelwait) October 8, 2024
Police found more… pic.twitter.com/i1JymfX18f
Why 'Pelicot 2.0'?
The nickname comes from the striking similarities to the case that made Gisèle Pelicot a symbol of France's fight against sexual violence.
Gisèle was secretly drugged by her then-husband, Dominique Pelicot, for almost a decade. He invited numerous men to their home in Mazan, where they raped her while she was unconscious. He also recorded some of the assaults.
Dominique was convicted in December 2024 and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Gisèle was widely praised after waiving her right to anonymity and insisting that the trial be held publicly.
The Austrian case has drawn comparisons because reports describe allegations of a husband incapacitating his wife while other men sexually assaulted her.
So, did Dominique Pelicot create a blueprint?
That question is being raised because of the similarities, but there is currently no evidence that the Austrian suspects copied Dominique Pelicot or were inspired by his crimes.
A Disturbing Comparison
Daniela Aichinger's case is still under investigation, and authorities are continuing to establish exactly what happened to her and who was involved.
Meanwhile, the comparison with Gisèle Pelicot has already made the case especially disturbing. Pelicot's ordeal exposed how sexual violence can be hidden behind a relationship of trust, with a victim drugged and assaulted while unable to consent.
Nevertheless, the similarities should not be mistaken for evidence of a direct link. There is currently no reported evidence that Robert Aichinger knew Dominique Pelicot, copied his methods or deliberately sought to recreate his crimes.
