The femicide of Hélène Rytmann-Legotien and the "masculinism" of Louis Althusser

On November 16, 1980, at approximately 7:55 a.m., Hélène Rytmann-Legotien was murdered by her husband, the philosopher Louis Althusser, in their residence at the École normale supérieure (ENS) in Paris. The incident unfolded in the home of the couple, who were both affiliated with one of France’s most prestigious academic institutions. Althusser, who had been suffering from depression for months and had previously received a diagnosis of manic-depressive disorder in 1947, admitted to the crime immediately and was subsequently hospitalized at the Sainte-Anne psychiatric clinic in Paris. The murder took place during a period when Althusser was already well known within academic circles. The ENS, still regarded today as one of France's top-tier educational establishments, remained a hub for intellectual discourse. Despite the gravity of the act, legal proceedings against Althusser were halted in February 1981 under Article 64 of the French Penal Code, which states that no crime or offense occurs if the accused was in a state of unfitness at the time of the act. He was deemed legally incapable of responsibility and thus not subject to criminal prosecution. Althusser lived until 1990, receiving numerous honors for his contributions to cultural thought. However, the case did not gain recognition as a femicide until over four decades later, thanks to the persistent efforts of feminist scholars, researchers, and activists who refused to let the story fade into obscurity. In 2023, a book titled Althusser assassin. La banalité du mâle, translated as Althusser assassin. The Banality of Masculinity, by Canadian political scientist and expert on antifeminism and gender issues, Francis Dupuis-Déri, brought renewed attention to the tragedy. Following this publication, two additional books were released in French editions: Les Fragments d’Hélène by Johanna Luyssen (Julliard, 2005) and L’éffacement. Hélène Legotien: tuée, oubliée by Jo Ros (Le temps des Cerises, 2026). These works further explored the legacy and memory of Hélène Legotien, whose life and death have become emblematic of broader struggles against gender-based violence. Dupuis-Déri recounted how he initially believed the case was a historical curiosity, but he soon discovered that many people still remembered the incident vividly. His research led to correspondence from individuals who felt compelled to share their perspectives, indicating that the story had not yet been fully acknowledged or processed. Hélène Legotien, born in 1910 in Paris, was the daughter of a Jewish family that had fled Russian pogroms. She adopted the surname Legotien in 1944, using it as a tribute to her involvement in the Resistance during World War II, though she never officially changed her name in official records. Her career began as a secretary at the European Organization for Economic Cooperation (OECE), evolving into roles as a scientific assistant and eventually a sociologist within the organization. She met Althusser in 1945 and married him in 1976. Their relationship spanned nearly three decades, during which she contributed significantly to academic discussions on social issues. Her work focused on ongoing exploitation despite economic prosperity in France, reflecting her deep engagement with societal structures and inequalities. Lucie Rondeau du Noyer, a doctoral candidate and historian who has been researching Hélène Legotien’s life and work since summer 2022, emphasized the importance of respecting the identity of the deceased. She noted that choosing the correct name, whether Hélène Rytmann, Hélène Legotien, or Hélène Rytmann-Legotien, is essential to honoring the person’s autonomy and legacy. Her investigation has revealed a complex narrative of personal and professional achievement, underscored by the tragic end of her life. Through her work, Rondeau du Noyer continues to bring light to a history that, while long past, remains relevant in contemporary conversations about gender, power, and justice.