When Sylvie Delezenne, a marketing expert from Lille, embarked on a job hunt in 2015, she was thrilled to receive a LinkedIn message from a human resources manager at the French culture ministry. The invitation to Paris for an interview seemed like a dream opportunity. However, instead of securing a position, Delezenne, now 45, finds herself among more than 240 women embroiled in a criminal investigation. The alleged crime? Drugging unsuspecting women during job interviews.
An investigating judge is currently scrutinizing claims that Christian Nègre, a senior civil servant, drugged women over a nine-year period. During interviews, Nègre allegedly offered beverages laced with a potent illegal diuretic, causing an urgent need to urinate. The women recount being led on lengthy walks far from restrooms, resulting in public urination or soiling themselves, experiences that left them feeling ashamed and humiliated.
The Unveiling of a Scandal
The allegations surfaced in 2018 when a colleague reported Nègre’s inappropriate behavior, prompting a police investigation. Authorities discovered a spreadsheet titled “Experiments,” allegedly documenting the drugging incidents and the women’s reactions. By 2019, Nègre was removed from the ministry and placed under formal investigation for charges ranging from drugging to sexual assault. Despite the ongoing investigation, Nègre continues to work in the private sector, maintaining silence through his lawyer, Vanessa Stein.
Louise Beriot, representing several victims, describes the alleged drugging as an exercise of power and domination under the guise of a sexual fantasy. Beriot emphasizes,
“This is about power and domination over women’s bodies … through humiliation and control.”
Broader Implications of Chemical Submission
This case highlights a disturbing trend in France known as “chemical submission,” where victims are drugged without their consent. The term gained traction following the high-profile case of Gisèle Pelicot, who waived her anonymity during the trial of men convicted of raping her after being drugged by her ex-husband.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, many victims express frustration over the prolonged legal process. Émilie, a pseudonym used for one of the women, voices her discontent, stating,
“Six years later, we’re still waiting for a trial, which is mind-blowing. The justice process is bringing more trauma than healing.”
Personal Accounts of Trauma and Resilience
Delezenne recalls her experience vividly. Invited to the prestigious culture ministry near the Louvre, she accepted a coffee from Nègre out of politeness. What followed was a harrowing ordeal, culminating in public humiliation and lasting psychological scars. She recounts,
“I had nightmares, angry outbursts. I didn’t look for work; I thought I was useless.”
Diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder, Delezenne continues to grapple with the aftermath.
Anaïs de Vos, another victim, shares a similar story. During her 2011 interview, she felt compelled to accept a coffee from Nègre, leading to a distressing experience by the Seine. Reflecting on the incident, she remarks,
“The justice system has taken too long … For us, it feels like we’re being victimized a second time.”
The Call for Justice and Systemic Change
The case against Nègre is not just about individual accountability but also systemic issues within the culture ministry. The CGT culture trade union calls for the ministry to acknowledge its responsibility, citing a “systemic problem” that allowed Nègre’s behavior to persist for a decade. The union highlights previous allegations against him, including taking inappropriate photographs of female colleagues.
Some women have received compensation in a civil case against the state, although the culture ministry itself was not found at fault. A ministry official asserts its commitment to preventing harassment and supporting survivors.
Delezenne, now working in marketing for a hairdresser, remains focused on ensuring such incidents do not recur. She states,
“My priority is that this never happens to anyone else again.”
For those affected by similar issues, support is available through various organizations. In the UK, Rape Crisis offers assistance, while in the US, Rainn provides support. In Australia, 1800Respect is available, with international helplines listed at ibiblio.org/rcip/internl.html.
