Former French Ministry of Culture HR Director Accused of Enabling Drug Use in Job Interviews
Paris, France – Gisèle Pelicot, the former Director of Human Resources at France’s Ministry of Culture, is at the center of a scandal alleging she knowingly allowed-and potentially encouraged-the use of drugs by candidates during job interviews. The accusations, surfacing December 1, 2025, stem from an examination into workplace practices during her tenure, raising serious questions about ethical conduct and fairness in French public sector recruitment.
The allegations detail a pattern of candidates being offered drugs, reportedly including cocaine, before interviews conducted by Pelicot and her team. sources claim this practice was intended to assess candidates’ reactions and resilience under pressure, a controversial method that has sparked outrage among politicians and labor groups. The Ministry of Culture has launched an internal investigation,and authorities are considering a formal criminal inquiry. This case highlights a broader debate about power dynamics, professional boundaries, and the potential for abuse within institutions.
Pelicot served as Director of Human Resources at the Ministry of culture from 2019 until her departure in 2024. During her leadership, the Ministry oversaw personnel matters for a vast network of cultural institutions across France, including museums, theaters, and libraries. The current investigation focuses on recruitment processes for positions within the ministry itself,specifically allegations concerning interviews for roles in communications and cultural diplomacy.
According to reports,the alleged drug use was not limited to a single instance but occurred repeatedly over several years. Investigators are interviewing former candidates and Ministry employees to gather evidence and determine the extent of Pelicot’s involvement and knowledge. The practice, if confirmed, would represent a severe breach of professional ethics and potentially violate French labor laws.
The French Ministry of Culture has stated it is cooperating fully with the investigation and is committed to ensuring a fair and ethical recruitment process. The Ministry has not yet commented specifically on the allegations against Pelicot, citing the ongoing nature of the inquiry. The scandal comes at a sensitive time for the Ministry, wich is already facing scrutiny over diversity and inclusion initiatives.
