French public official investigated for drugging nearly 250 women

A former high-ranking official at the French Ministry of Culture, Christian Negre, is under formal investigation for allegedly drugging nearly 250 women between 2009 and 2018. The suspect, now over 60 years old, reportedly invited job applicants to interviews where he surreptitiously spiked their coffee with powerful diuretics. The intent was to induce an urgent need to urinate, forcing the women to soil themselves either in public or in his presence, a practice categorized by authorities as chemical submission.

The investigation gained momentum after victims, including Anais de Vos and Marie-Helene Brice, spoke publicly about their traumatic experiences. De Vos recounted a 2011 interview at the ministry where she was offered coffee by Negre, leading to the realization years later that she was part of a systemic pattern of abuse. The case involves grave charges, including the illegal administration of substances, violation of privacy, and sexual assault.

This incident has drawn comparisons to the 2024 Giselle Pelicot case, which brought the issue of chemical submission into the French national spotlight. Christian Negre is currently awaiting trial as authorities continue to process the evidence surrounding these decade-long allegations.