Former French Senator Joël Guerriau Begins Trial Over MDMA‑Spiked Champagne
Updated (2 articles)
Trial Launches Amid Intense Public Scrutiny The two‑day hearing opened Monday in Paris, drawing a packed gallery of journalists and citizens. 68‑year‑old former senator Joël Guerriau faces charges of drug use, possession and administering a substance to commit rape or sexual assault [1][2]. A chief judge read investigative findings, and a verdict is scheduled for after the trial concludes [1][2].
MDMA Detected in Lawmaker’s Blood After Champagne Incident MP Sandrine Josso reported heart palpitations, shivering and fear of cardiac arrest moments after drinking the champagne. She left the apartment, was taken by taxi to a hospital, and a blood test revealed a “substantial quantity” of MDMA far exceeding typical recreational doses [1][2]. Josso subsequently took medical and psychological leave while labeling the episode a drug‑facilitated assault [2].
Defendant Claims Accidental Self‑Medication Guerriau told the court he kept MDMA at home to self‑medicate depression and anxiety, intended to consume it himself, and mistakenly offered the spiked glass to Josso. He expressed remorse, describing the error as a “very serious” handling mistake [1][2]. His lawyers argue the act was unintentional and emphasize his prior intent to use the drug personally [2].
Case Revives National Focus on Drug‑Facilitated Assault Laws The trial echoes the high‑profile Gisèle Pelicot case, which led to convictions of 50 men and spurred a parliamentary report co‑authored by Josso. France’s October 2025 law now defines rape to include any non‑consensual act, reflecting heightened awareness of chemical submission [1][2]. Josso has become a leading advocate, joining an association founded by Pelicot’s daughter and co‑authoring a new parliamentary report on drug‑facilitated sexual abuse [1][2].
Sources (2 articles)
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[1]
AP: Former French Senator on Trial for Spiking Lawmaker’s Champagne with MDMA: Details the opening of the trial, Guerriau’s alleged drugging of Josso, his claim of accidental self‑use, and the broader legal context following the Pelicot scandal .
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[2]
CNN: Former French Senator Joël Guerriau Faces Trial Over MDMA‑Spiked Drink: Highlights the same trial facts, Josso’s symptoms and hospital test, the defense’s accidental‑error argument, and the impact of the 2025 rape‑law reform .
Timeline
2011‑2020 – The Gisèle Pelicot scandal unfolds, culminating in the conviction of her ex‑husband and 50 men for drug‑facilitated sexual assaults, which later sparks a national debate on chemical submission in France[1].
Oct 2023 – Joël Guerriau searches online for information on “drugs and rape,” indicating pre‑meditation or curiosity about chemical assault a month before the later incident[2].
Nov 2023 – At a private gathering, Guerriau spikes a glass of champagne with MDMA and serves it to MP Sandrine Josso; she experiences heart palpitations, shivering, and a “substantial quantity” of MDMA is later confirmed in her blood, prompting her to take medical and psychological leave[2].
2024 – The Pelicot case goes to trial, resulting in convictions that amplify public awareness of drug‑facilitated rape and lay groundwork for legislative change[1].
Oct 2025 – France enacts a law redefining rape to include any non‑consensual sexual act, expanding the legal definition beyond violence or surprise and reflecting heightened concern over chemical submission[1].
Oct 2025 – Facing mounting pressure, Guerriau resigns from the Senate after two years of remaining in office, ending his formal political career[1].
Jan 26 2026 – A two‑day trial begins in Paris; journalists and the public fill the courtroom as a chief judge reads the investigation’s conclusions, and a verdict is scheduled for a later date[2].
Jan 26 2026 – During the trial, Guerriau tells the court he obtained the white powder from an unnamed senator to self‑medicate depression, did not consume it, and “expresses remorse and very serious regret” for the mistake[2].
Jan 26 2026 – Josso testifies that she felt “terrified” after the incident, labels it a “drug‑facilitated assault,” and highlights her role as a leading advocate against chemical sexual abuse, co‑authoring a parliamentary report that calls the phenomenon a “scourge that was ignored for too long”[1][2].
2026 (future) – The court is expected to deliver a verdict later in the year, determining whether Guerriau faces up to five years for drug‑facilitated rape and up to ten years for MDMA possession under the 2025 legal reforms[1].