A high-ranking government official is facing allegations of drugging over 240 women in order to induce urination during job interviews. Christian Nègre, a senior civil servant at France’s culture ministry, is under investigation for allegedly spiking beverages with an illegal diuretic and then taking female candidates on lengthy “walking interviews.”
According to some of the women involved, they experienced symptoms such as dizziness and faintness, leading to instances where they were compelled to urinate in public. Over a span of nine years, Nègre is accused of drugging these women’s drinks with the knowledge that it would prompt them to use the restroom.
The investigation commenced in 2019 following multiple charges, including sexual assault and drugging. Authorities discovered a disturbing spreadsheet labeled “P Experiments” on Nègre’s computer, detailing the doses, dates, and reactions of the affected women.
These women, who were seeking employment at the ministry, reported that Nègre often proposed conducting interviews outdoors, far from restroom facilities. Sylvie Delezenne, 45, recounted being targeted by the alleged perpetrator during a job search in 2015.
In an interview with The Guardian, Delezenne described being contacted via LinkedIn by a HR manager from the French culture ministry and traveling to Paris for an interview with Nègre. She mentioned feeling unaware of such an attack at the time. Delezenne recalled selecting a coffee from a vending machine, which Nègre then handed to her. Subsequently, he suggested a walk to view the monuments, during which she began feeling unwell and needing to urinate urgently.
Delezenne shared her distressing experience of having to relieve herself by the side of a tunnel as Nègre seemingly offered to cover her with his jacket. The aftermath left her with swollen feet and persistent thirst, causing long-term impact on her job search efforts and reluctance to return to Paris.
Nègre’s lawyer, Vanessa Stein, declined to provide comments during the ongoing investigation. Louise Beriot, a lawyer representing several accusers, highlighted the abuse of power and control over women’s bodies through such actions.