A shocking case from France has revealed a disturbing pattern of alleged abuse during professional job interviews. A former senior human resources manager at the country's prestigious Ministry of Culture stands accused of drugging and humiliating nearly 200 women over a decade.
The Traumatic Experience of Hiyam Zarouri
Hiyam Zarouri, now 35, was initially thrilled when Christian Negre, a senior official, contacted her on LinkedIn a decade ago. At the time, she was a 25-year-old seeking career guidance. However, their meeting in central Paris turned into a nightmare. Zarouri claims Negre slipped a powerful diuretic into her coffee. He then insisted on a three-and-a-half-hour walk, despite her wearing high heels.
"I started to have cold sweats, chills and hot flashes, a bloated stomach, and my feet really, really hurt," Zarouri recounted. "I thought I was going to die." Feeling utterly humiliated and in pain, she blamed herself for drinking the coffee and her choice of footwear. It was only four years later, when similar cases emerged in the media, that she understood she was a victim.
A Widespread Pattern of Alleged Abuse
Zarouri is one of approximately 197 women who have come forward with similar accusations against Christian Negre. The women allege he spiked their hot drinks during job interviews to belittle them. Investigators claim he watched them writhe in physical discomfort, with some victims forced to relieve themselves in front of him.
A source close to the investigation revealed that between 2009 and 2018, Negre meticulously documented his actions. He reportedly maintained a spreadsheet listing the names of the women and their reactions to the drug. Unlike others, Zarouri managed to insist on returning to the ministry building to use a toilet, where Negre waited for her just outside.
Charges and a Frustratingly Slow Probe
Christian Negre now faces serious criminal charges. These include "administering a harmful substance" without consent, "sexual assault" by a person abusing authority, and "invasion of privacy." In 2018, he admitted to investigators that he had "imposed humiliating situations on women" during interviews, leading to his dismissal from the Ministry of Culture in 2019.
Despite the charges, many victims express deep frustration with the slow pace of the judicial process. Negre remains under judicial control but is still permitted to work. "It's unacceptable," Zarouri told AFP. "He needs to be kept away from other women." The fear that he could target someone else while the investigation drags on adds to the victims' anguish, highlighting systemic delays in addressing serious workplace and gender-based crimes.
