Women allege assault at the hands of cultlike leader in ‘Pearadise’ plus-size community

06/16/2026 8:12 am PDT

This Week on True Crime News The Podcast: Body-positive safe space or a grooming ground for an alleged predator? The “Pearadise” community promotes itself as a space for plus-size women to feel seen and celebrated, but some say the group’s founder, Stefan Wilhelmy, harbored far more sinister intentions. Explore the story further in “Big Girls Wanted: Escaping Pearadise,” streaming now on HBO Max.

Tara Malone and Michael Hirschorn join host Ana Garcia.

Women allege assault at the hands of cultlike leader in ‘Pearadise’ plus-size community

06/16/2026 8:12 am PDT

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