A senior French civil servant is under formal investigation following allegations that he systematically drugged job interview candidates at the Ministry of Culture with diuretic medications designed to cause loss of bladder control.
The case centers on Christian Nègre, a regional director of cultural affairs who allegedly targeted women during employment interviews over a span of years. According to accusers, Nègre would offer candidates beverages containing substances that triggered uncontrollable urination in public settings, creating humiliating situations. Nearly 250 women have come forward with similar allegations, describing experiences where they suddenly felt extreme physical weakness and urgent bodily needs while walking with Nègre through streets or other public areas. Police believe Nègre used diuretics, medications typically prescribed for medical conditions such as high blood pressure, to achieve these effects.
One accuser, Anaïs de Vos, described being interviewed in July 2011 when Nègre offered her coffee that tasted unusual. After consuming part of it, she experienced weakness and an overwhelming urge to urinate. When she expressed this need, Nègre allegedly made dismissive comments and directed her toward unsuitable locations. She eventually lost control in public, an experience that affected her confidence for years afterward. Another alleged victim, Marie-Hélène Brice, reported a similar incident in 2016 in Strasbourg, where Nègre promised to lead her to a public toilet that did not exist, leaving her no choice but to urinate in public while he watched.
The investigation commenced in June 2018 after Nègre was discovered taking photographs of a woman from beneath a table. He was subsequently suspended and later dismissed from his position in 2019. Police reportedly discovered a spreadsheet on his computer titled “Experiments P” that documented alleged victims, including details about timing, administration of substances, and observations about their clothing. Nègre has been formally charged with drugging, invasion of privacy, and sexual assault. He awaits trial and has declined to comment on the allegations through his legal representative. Many accusers stated they only realized they were potential victims after police contacted them or after media coverage brought the case to public attention.
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