Inside The Hidden Network Of Men Drugging And Raping Their Wives

In 2024, the world learned the name Gisele Pelicot. Between 2011 and 2020, she was drugged and raped in her home in France by her husband, Dominique, and dozens of other men while she was unconscious.

In a landmark trial, the then-72-year-old Gisele waived her right to anonymity as evidence revealed at least 200 rapes, many of them filmed. Dominique recruited men through a sex chat website, giving detailed instructions on how to abuse his wife.

But this is not an isolated case. In 2026, CNN uncovered allegations of a global network of men in group chats sharing tips on drugging and raping their wives, alongside more than 20,000 “sleep content” videos.

Investigative journalist Saskya Vandoorne joins us after infiltrating these groups and speaking to survivors.

LINKS

Learn more about CNN's investigation here. 

If any of the contents in this episode have caused distress, know that there is help available via Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

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CREDITS 

Guest: Saskya Vandoorne

Host: Gemma Bath 

Senior Producer: Tahli Blackman

Group Executive Producer: Ilaria Brophy

Video Editor: Julian Rosario

Audio Designer: Tegan Salder

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