A former French civil servant is under investigation for allegedly drugging women’s drinks with powerful diuretics during job interviews. Christian Nègre, an ex-senior civil servant and human resources director at France's Ministry of Culture, is accused of administering drugs to women with the apparent intention of causing them to lose bladder control.
Police uncovered a spreadsheet labeled 'Experiments' that reportedly detailed dates, dosages, and the reactions of women interviewed for ministry positions. The document allegedly documented arrival times, when diuretics were administered, the time it took for urination to occur, and the underwear the women were wearing.
Victims have described experiences of trembling, dizziness, humiliation, and in some cases, being forced to urinate in public or wetting their clothes. Many reported becoming weak and developing an uncontrollable urge to urinate shortly after accepting offered drinks during interviews.
One alleged victim, Anaïs de Vos, recounted an interview in July 2011 where she accepted a coffee offered by Nègre. She stated that as they left the office for a walk, she began to feel weak and urgently needed a toilet. De Vos claims Nègre appeared to take pleasure in her distress and suggested she relieve herself in a storage cupboard under a bridge. She ultimately found a cafe, but lost bladder control before reaching the restroom.
Another woman, Sylvie Delezenne, described being marched around the Tuileries gardens during a 2015 interview while becoming increasingly ill and asking for a toilet. She eventually relieved herself beside a tunnel, with Nègre allegedly shielding her with his jacket.
Marie-Hélène Brice recalled a 2016 interview in Strasbourg where Nègre suggested a walk to calm her nerves. While walking along a canal, she developed a painful urge to urinate. Despite Nègre claiming to know of a nearby public toilet, none was available. Brice eventually urinated in public, feeling deeply embarrassed.
Nègre reportedly continued to work in human resources despite the allegations, according to the women's rights group Fondation des Femmes, which is supporting around 30 of the accusers. The alleged incidents are reported to have occurred between 2009 and 2018, involving nearly 250 women.
The investigation has faced criticism for its length. De Vos, who first spoke to police in 2019, expressed frustration over the slow progress, stating she heard nothing further until 2023 despite repeated contact. Brice described the lengthy wait for justice as a form of 'secondary victimisation'.
UN Women has called for governments, police, and justice systems to improve efforts in addressing drug-facilitated sexual assault, noting the devastating impact of delays on victims.