Podcast Summary: The Oprah Podcast - "Caroline Darion in First U.S. Interview Since Her Father Dominique Pelicol’s Shocking Trial"

Introduction

In this deeply moving and harrowing episode of The Oprah Podcast, host Oprah Winfrey engages in a profound conversation with Caroline Darion and her mother, Giselle Pellico. The episode delves into the unimaginable ordeal their family endured at the hands of Caroline's father, Dominique Pellico, whose heinous crimes shocked not only their lives but also the international community. Through Caroline's gripping memoir, I'll Never Call Him Dad Again, listeners are exposed to themes of resilience, survival, and the quest for justice in the face of unimaginable betrayal.

Background of the Case

The episode begins with Caroline Darion providing a chilling overview of her father's actions. In 2020, Dominique Pellico, a seemingly devoted family man from a picturesque village in southern France, was arrested for filming women’s skirts in a supermarket. However, this arrest was merely the tip of the iceberg. As Caroline reveals, Dominique's dark secrets unraveled to expose a decade-long pattern of abuse involving drugging and raping his wife, Giselle Pellico, and orchestrating her assaults by over 70 men recruited from internet chat rooms.

Caroline Darion [00:38]: "In 2020, 67-year-old Dominique Pellico, reportedly a devoted grandfather, father, and husband, was arrested near where he lived in the south of France. He was caught filming up women's skirts at a supermarket."

The Unveiling of Horrific Crimes

Oprah Winfrey expresses her shock and admiration for Caroline's courage in sharing such a traumatic story.

Oprah Winfrey [01:54]: "After Giselle met with Felice, she called her three grown children, Caroline, David, and Florian, to tell them the shocking truth about the father they thought they knew."

Caroline and her siblings were left grappling with the revelation that their father had been systematically abusing their mother for years, a truth masked behind his façade of a loving family man.

Oprah Winfrey [02:15]: "Caroline courageously shares her family's unimaginable ordeal in her gripping memoir, I'll Never Call Him Dad Again."

Giselle's Struggle and Strength

Giselle Pellico joins the conversation, sharing her perspective and the immense emotional toll of uncovering her husband's atrocities.

Giselle Pellico [05:14]: "I really wanted to make something useful and to go beyond, you know, this terrible legacy."

Oprah lauds Giselle's decision to bring the truth to light, emphasizing her strength and the broader impact of her actions on societal perceptions of shame and victimhood.

Oprah Winfrey [04:35]: "I think a statue should be built in honor of your mother. I think what she has done for women in the world... shows that you are a mighty woman."

The Trial and Public Exposure

The episode details the trial in Avignon, France, where Giselle courageously testified against Dominique and the other perpetrators. Caroline discusses the emotional and psychological challenges faced during the trial, including instances where Giselle struggled to accept the truth about her husband's actions.

Caroline Darion [12:52]: "This interview is not appropriate for children at all... but it was shocking."

Giselle's unwavering stance to make the trial open and public was a deliberate effort to shift societal shame from victims to perpetrators.

Oprah Winfrey [42:40]: "She wanted to shift the shame... the shame should be on these men... not on the victim."

The Impact on Family Relationships

The revelations deeply strained the relationships within Caroline's family. Giselle struggled to accept the extent of Dominique's crimes, leading to emotional distance between mother and daughter.

Giselle Pellico [30:58]: "This terrible story split us in two."

Despite these challenges, Giselle and Caroline found strength in rebuilding their lives separately, with Giselle emphasizing the importance of family support and her continued commitment to advocacy.

Giselle Pellico [72:28]: "One of the most important things and precious things to me is really my husband and my son and also all of my friends."

Advocacy and the "Stop Chemical Submission" Movement

Inspired by their experiences, Caroline launched the "Stop Chemical Submission. Don't Put Me Under." movement to raise awareness about drug-facilitated sexual assaults and to support victims.

Giselle Pellico [69:17]: "The mission is to drive awareness about this public issue... victims to speak up and to be believed."

Oprah highlights the significance of this movement in addressing a pervasive yet under-recognized form of sexual violence.

Introducing Jenny Thiessen's Story

The episode introduces Jenny Thiessen from Minnesota, whose story mirrors the Pellico family's ordeal. Jenny discovered incriminating videos on her husband's flash drive, revealing his pattern of drugging and sexually assaulting her and his coworkers.

Jenny Thiessen [56:57]: "I was legally certain that this was the first time I would have something that wasn't... it was shocking. It was truly my way out."

Her bravery led to legal reforms in Minnesota, eliminating loopholes that previously protected spouses accused of rape.

Caroline Darion [64:30]: "Governor Tim Waltz signed the bill into law."

The Aftermath and Healing Process

Both Giselle and Jenny discuss the ongoing challenges of healing and rebuilding their lives post-abuse. Giselle emphasizes the importance of support systems and maintaining a positive outlook, while Jenny shares her struggles as a single mother navigating life after divorce.

Jenny Thiessen [63:18]: "I think as a parent, it is most important to show my children strength and positivity and also speaking out."

Oprah underscores the shared resilience among survivors and the critical role of advocacy in fostering societal change.

Oprah Winfrey [75:06]: "I just want them to know that they can speak up, speak out, and they also have to... be supportive."

Conclusion and Call to Action

Oprah concludes the episode by commending Caroline, Giselle, and Jenny for their extraordinary courage and resilience. She urges listeners who may have experienced similar traumas to seek help and not to suffer in silence.

Oprah Winfrey [76:03]: "If you or you are or you suspect you are the victim of a sexual assault... call the National Sexual Assault Hotline."

The episode serves as a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the importance of speaking out against injustice, offering hope and solidarity to survivors everywhere.

Notable Quotes

• Oprah Winfrey [04:35]: "I think a statue should be built in honor of your mother... shows that you are a mighty woman."

• Giselle Pellico [05:14]: "I really wanted to make something useful and to go beyond, you know, this terrible legacy."

• Jenny Thiessen [56:57]: "It was shocking. It was truly my way out."

• Giselle Pellico [69:17]: "The mission is to drive awareness about this public issue... victims to speak up and to be believed."

• Oprah Winfrey [76:03]: "If you or you are or you suspect you are the victim of a sexual assault... call the National Sexual Assault Hotline."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Oprah Podcast is a poignant exploration of trauma, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of justice. Through personal testimonies and advocacy, Caroline Darion, Giselle Pellico, and Jenny Thiessen illuminate the dark realities of sexual assault and the urgent need for societal change. Oprah's compassionate hosting provides a safe space for these powerful stories, inspiring listeners to support and stand with survivors.