Oprah and Caroline Darian: First Us Interview Since Her Father Dominique Pelicot’s Shocking Trial
Mar 17, 2025
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Caroline Darian, author of "I'll Never Call Him Dad Again," discusses the shocking reality of her father's crimes and the devastation it brought to her family. Joining her is Jenny Teeson, a victim of drug-facilitated sexual assault, who advocates for changes in laws surrounding marital rape. Their conversation dives into the emotional impacts of betrayal, the struggle for justice, and the importance of resilience. They share personal stories of trauma, healing, and their commitment to empowering victims to find their voices.
Caroline Darian recounts the devastating impact of her father Dominique Pelicot's horrific actions on their family, revealing deep-seated trauma and betrayal.
The trial's harrowing nature compelled Gisèle to publicly testify, illuminating the widespread issue of chemical submission in sexual assaults.
Caroline advocates for systemic change and awareness around drug-facilitated rape, emphasizing the urgent need for victim support and recognition.
Deep dives
The Shocking Revelation of Abusive Betrayal
In this episode, the horrific story of Dominique Pellico, who was arrested for filming up women's skirts, unfolds to reveal a far darker truth. It is revealed that for nearly a decade, Pellico had drugged and raped his wife, Giselle, while inviting over 70 men from online chat rooms to participate in her assault, all of which he recorded. Police found more than 20,000 images and videos on his devices, specifically categorized in a folder labeled 'abuse.' This shocking discovery shattered lives, as his daughter, Caroline, recounted the moment she and her family learned the truth about their father.
The Impact on Giselle and Her Family
Giselle's life was irreparably damaged by her husband's heinous acts, leading her to experience memory lapses and psychological trauma. Her family, initially unaware of her condition, began to connect her peculiar behavior to years of drugging. This culminated in a devastating phone call in which Giselle revealed to her children that their father had not only betrayed her but had also exploited their trust. Caroline’s book, 'I'll Never Call Him Dad Again,' serves as a cathartic outlet, highlighting the resilience of a family grappling with such unimaginable betrayal.
Confronting the Criminal: The Trial
The ensuing trial was harrowing, culminating in Giselle's brave decision to publicly testify against her husband and the men who violated her. During the trial, the court watched disturbing images and videos of the assaults, forcing Giselle to relive her traumas in front of a courtroom audience. This unprecedented case revealed the extent of the abuse, illustrating how Dominique manipulated not only his wife but also the numerous men he invited into their home. The trial highlighted the imperative need for societal shifts in how sexual assault and victimization are perceived and prosecuted.
Chemical Submission: A Growing Concern
The podcast addresses the troubling trend of chemical submission, where victims are drugged to facilitate sexual assault, a crime increasingly prevalent yet difficult to prosecute. Caroline emphasizes the urgency of raising awareness around this issue, advocating for better training within medical and legal systems to recognize signs of drug-facilitated rape. She highlights the alarming lack of support for victims facing this specific type of trauma and insists on the necessity for systemic change. The conversation underscores the ongoing struggle that both Caroline and Giselle face in reclaiming their lives and establishing their voices.
Empowerment and Advocacy: A Call to Action
Caroline's story resonates as a powerful testament to survival, courage, and advocacy for other victims of sexual violence. Through her organization, 'Don't Put Me Under,' she invites others to speak out against abuse, sharing their experiences to create a community of understanding and support. By encouraging conversations about her family's ordeal, Caroline aims to shift societal perspectives on victimhood and instill hope for change. She stresses the imperative for victims to trust their instincts, reminding everyone that they are not alone in their pain and should seek help and support.
In a story that made international headlines, French grandmother Gisèle Pelicot was drugged and raped by her husband Dominique Pelicot and more than 70 men he invited to rape her while she remained unconscious. In this episode of The Oprah Podcast, Gisèle’s daughter Caroline Darian reveals how her father’s secret life has devastated their family and destroyed the life they knew. During this candid conversation, Caroline shares how they found out about her father’s crimes, how he recruited men to rape her mother, and the lengths he took to keep his perversion a secret from everyone. She will also talk about the shock of discovering photos of herself unconscious in his collection, how he raped her mom in Caroline’s home and how she and her mother found the strength to face her father and the dozens of accused men during the trial.
Minnesotan Jenny Teeson - a mom of two who found video of her ex-husband drugging and raping her - also joins the conversation. Jenny will explain why most of the charges against her ex-husband were dropped despite overwhelming video and photographic evidence.
For more information on Caroline Darian’s movement, “Don’t Put Me Under: Stop Chemical Submission” please go to her website.
If you are a victim of sexual assault, please call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-467. More information can be found at the website below.
