In 2011, Anaïs de Vos was interviewing for a post at the French Ministry of Culture. She accepted a coffee from the senior civil servant Christian Nègre, who then gave her a drink that made her feel weak and forced her to realise she had to urinate. Anaïs reports that Nègre sent her to a secret spot by the Seine and told her she could "do it there". This was not an isolated incident—about 250 women say the same thing happened during job interviews between 2009 and 2018.
Authorities found a spreadsheet on Nègre’s computer titled “Experiments P” that listed the dates, drugs, and even the victim’s underwear. The drug, a diuretic, caused them to produce huge amounts of urine in minutes. Police are now investigating Nègre, who was dismissed by the ministry in 2019 and faces charges of drug‑facilitated assault, invasion of privacy and sexual assault.
The case has sparked a national debate about "chemical submission" – the use of drugs to control or punish people. French MP Sandrine Josso has called for better support for victims and a fast‑track testing programme, but many victims say the delays in justice are a second form of abuse.
Today, Anaïs and others are still waiting for a verdict, saying they want the truth to be seen and the perpetrator held accountable. While the legal system works toward a trial, the story reminds us to question the power we give to those in authority and to always keep a watchful eye on the drinks we’re handed.
