Podcast Episode Summary: "Nobody Should Believe Me" – Featuring Caroline Darion and Ginny Thiessen

Release Date: March 20, 2025
Host: Oprah Winfrey
Podcast: The Oprah Podcast

Introduction

In this deeply gripping episode of "Nobody Should Believe Me," hosted by Oprah Winfrey, listeners are confronted with harrowing accounts of familial betrayal and systemic failures in addressing sexual violence. The episode features first-time American interviewees, Caroline Darion and Ginny Thiessen, who share their personal tragedies involving the sexual abuse orchestrated by their respective fathers. Through their stories, the podcast sheds light on the clandestine world of chemical submission and the profound impact it has on victims and their families.

Caroline Darion's Ordeal

Discovery of Horrendous Crimes

Caroline Darion opens up about the day her life unraveled. On November 2, 2020, she received a life-altering phone call from her mother, Giselle, revealing that her father, Dominique Pellico, had been abusing her mother for nearly a decade. Giselle disclosed that Dominique had been drugging and raping her, involving over 70 men recruited via internet chat rooms to perpetuate this abuse. The revelation was supported by over 20,000 photos and videos found on Dominique's devices.

Oprah Winfrey [02:04]: "Caroline courageously shares her family's unimaginable ordeal."

Impact on the Family

The disclosure shattered Caroline's perception of her father as a devoted family man. Despite his outward appearance as a good neighbor and husband, Dominique's manipulative dual life left Caroline and her siblings grappling with disbelief and trauma.

Caroline Darion [05:00]: "I wanted to show the many people that whatever you live in, your family, you are not responsible for what happened."

Legal Actions and Trial

Caroline took legal action against her father, leading to one of France's most shocking rape trials. Dominique was found guilty of orchestrating the abuse, receiving a 20-year prison sentence. Additionally, 50 of the men involved were also convicted, highlighting the extensive scope of the crimes.

Narrator [12:34]: "In December 2024, a French court found Dominique Pellico guilty of repeatedly drugging and raping his wife."

Rebuilding Life and Advocacy

Post-trial, Caroline has dedicated herself to rebuilding her life and advocating against chemical submission. She founded the movement "Stop Chemical Submission. Don't Put Me Under," aiming to raise awareness and support victims worldwide. Her journey is one of resilience, supported by her husband, son, and a network of friends.

Caroline Darion [68:55]: "I'm fighting... It became one of the most important missions of my life."

Ginny Thiessen's Story

Discovery of Husband's Misdeeds

Ginny Thiessen recounts her shocking discovery of her husband’s secretive and abusive behavior. While reviewing a forgotten flash drive, she found videos of her husband sexually assaulting her and videotaping his coworkers without consent. These revelations mirrored Caroline's experiences, showcasing a disturbing pattern of abuse within families.

Oprah Winfrey [55:50]: "What was it?"

Ginny Thiessen [56:57]: "I discovered that there was eight videos on that flash drive... six of them were of my husband videotaping his coworkers... and two of them were of me getting out of the shower..."

Immediate Reaction and Legal Battle

Upon discovering the videos, Ginny faced immediate emotional turmoil and legal challenges. Her confrontation with her husband revealed his manipulative nature, further deepening her trauma. She pursued a legal case, fighting not only for justice but also for systemic change, leading to the elimination of loopholes in Minnesota's marital rape laws.

Ginny Thiessen [58:01]: "This was the first time that everything clicked into place."

Advocacy and Legislative Change

Ginny's ordeal propelled her into activism. She successfully lobbied for legislative reform in Minnesota, closing the marital rape loophole and raising awareness about chemical submission and its devastating effects.

Narrator [64:25]: "In 2019, Governor Tim Waltz signed the bill into law."

Coping and Moving Forward

Despite ongoing legal battles and personal healing, Ginny emphasizes resilience and the importance of supporting her children through these traumas. Her advocacy extends to educating others about consent, boundaries, and the impermanence of defining oneself by past abuses.

Ginny Thiessen [66:59]: "I am not defined by this. This will not define who I am as a person."

Conclusion and Advocacy Messages

The episode culminates with both Caroline and Ginny delivering powerful messages of hope and resilience. They highlight the importance of speaking out, trusting one's experiences, and advocating for systemic changes to protect and support victims of chemical submission and sexual abuse.

Caroline Darion [75:27]: "They have to come forward and to speak up."

Ginny Thiessen [70:23]: "My voice is really precious."

Oprah reinforces the significance of these narratives, urging listeners to recognize the signs of abuse and seek help. She also provides resources for survivors, emphasizing the necessity of support systems in overcoming such profound trauma.

Oprah Winfrey [76:59]: "If you or you are or you suspect you are the victim of a sexual assault... call the National Sexual Assault Hotline."

Key Takeaways

• Duality of Perpetrators: Both stories reveal how abusers can maintain a facade of normalcy, making their atrocities difficult to detect.

• Chemical Submission: The podcast brings attention to the method of drug-facilitated sexual assault, its rise, and the challenges in prosecuting such cases.

• Legal and Systemic Failings: Highlighting loopholes and the need for legislative reform to better protect victims.

• Resilience and Advocacy: Emphasizing the strength required to overcome personal trauma and the importance of advocating for broader societal change.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Oprah Winfrey [02:04]: "Caroline courageously shares her family's unimaginable ordeal."

• Caroline Darion [05:00]: "I wanted to show the many people that whatever you live in, your family, you are not responsible for what happened."

• Ginny Thiessen [56:57]: "I was incapacitated... it's the person who protects me the most putting me in harm."

• Caroline Darion [68:55]: "I'm fighting... It became one of the most important missions of my life."

• Ginny Thiessen [66:59]: "I am not defined by this. This will not define who I am as a person."

Final Thoughts

This episode of "Nobody Should Believe Me" serves as a powerful testament to the silent suffering of victims and the imperative need for societal and legal reforms. Through Caroline Darion and Ginny Thiessen's stories, listeners gain a profound understanding of the complexities surrounding chemical submission and the resilience required to confront such unimaginable abuses.

For those affected by similar traumas or seeking support, resources like the National Sexual Assault Hotline are available to provide assistance and guidance.