Christian Nègre, under investigation for drugging 250 women, works under pseudonym in HR
The former HR director of the Ministry of Culture, under investigation for chemical assault on nearly 250 women, continues to work as an HR coach under the first name "Bernard".
Former civil servant under investigation for chemical assault continues to work in human resources
According to Google News FR — Crime (fr), Christian Nègre, a former human resources director at the Ministry of Culture, now presents himself as a "professional coach" under the first name "Bernard" — eight years after being caught up in a large-scale chemical assault case. Under investigation for having drugged nearly 250 women using a diuretic in order to force them to urinate in his presence, under the guise of professional interviews, he now works through the Paris-based firm 3R Consultants, according to findings by franceinfo, confirming information published by Dauphiné Libéré and RTL on Friday 4 September.
His professional profile, available on the firm's website, makes no mention of his former positions at the Ministry of Culture or the Regional Directorate of Cultural Affairs (Drac) Grand Est, from which he had been dismissed. "I am an executive coach and consultant in human resources, management and organisation and change management," he writes in his curriculum vitae.
An investigation triggered by a photograph taken under a table
It was at the Drac that the case had begun: Nègre had been caught photographing under the table his interlocutor, a sub-prefect who subsequently filed a complaint. This complaint had triggered the investigation, described at the time as a "completely crazy situation, that of a pervert" by Culture Minister Franck Riester.
His investigation began in 2019. From that year onwards, the website ICI Grand Est reported that he had retrained as a "professional coach" in the private sector. His judicial supervision does not prohibit him from working or from being in contact with a certain public, according to Iris Biehler, lawyer for one of the complainants, who told franceinfo. When approached on this point, the Paris prosecutor's office did not respond on Friday.
The victims' lawyer denounces a "wilful concealment"
"He provides courses and coaching in the same sector of activity, which raises difficulties," says Iris Biehler, pointing to a "fear of repetition of the alleged facts". As for the use of another first name, the lawyer sees in it "a wilful concealment" and indicates having reported this situation to the two investigating judges in charge of the case, so that investigations could be carried out into these activities.
Willem Royaards, founder of 3R Consultants, contacted by Le Dauphiné Libéré, claimed he was unaware of the trainer's true identity. "As a precautionary measure, we have decided to remove this person from our platform for the time being," he stated. His profile remained accessible on the website on Friday.
Interventions at business schools in Caen
In October 2025, Ouest-France had already revealed that Christian Nègre had worked as a teacher at the business schools MBway and Ecofac, in Caen and Colombelles (Calvados), under the name "Bernard Genre" — a surname that can be read as an anagram of Nègre. This name appeared on his identity card at the time of his application, even though his actual surname appeared on his criminal record, which was clean, MBway had specified.
The school had then assured that his "limited number of hours included teaching and supervision of student dissertations" and that no notification or incident had been brought to its attention. Christian Nègre's lawyer did not respond to requests for comment.
Closure of the investigation expected by end of 2026
The civil parties deplore the slowness of the procedure. In February, Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau had indicated that "closure of the investigation is expected by the end of 2026", calling on "any victim not yet interviewed to report to the OCRVP as soon as possible". A meeting between the investigating judges and the civil parties was scheduled for Thursday 10 September at the Paris judicial tribunal to review progress on the case.
Christian Nègre is presumed innocent of the facts alleged against him.
Source: Google News FR — Crime (fr)