In the early hours of a music festival in Bordeaux, a 22-year-old woman named Manon experienced a startling incident when she felt the prick of a syringe in her arm. Initially unaware of the substance injected or the identity of the assailant, she stated, “I didn’t want to panic.” After half an hour, she noted a visible mark at the injection site. Manon is one of approximately 150 individuals in France who reported similar syringe attacks amid the celebrations.
The incidents, classified as “needle spiking,” spread across various locations in the country, raising concerns about potential use of date-rape drugs like Rohypnol or GHB. The Ministry of the Interior has acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the substances involved and indicated a possibility of multiple attackers. Ahead of the festival, warnings circulated on social media, especially from feminist influencers, cautioning attendees—particularly women—of potential syringe assaults.
Following a visit to the emergency room, where she remained from 4 am to 7 am, Manon posted a TikTok video detailing her experience to raise awareness. “I hadn’t seen any testimonies from others who had been injected,” she remarked. “People need to know how it happens, its symptoms, and more,” reflecting on the loneliness she felt in that moment.
After returning home, Manon decided to file a police report, believing that complacency would hinder progress. She felt compelled to take action, hopeful that her report might contribute to a change. Although French authorities have detained 14 suspects aged 19 to 44 in connection with the festival, no definitive arrests related to the needle spiking have been made.
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin confirmed the incidents and stated that law enforcement would pursue those who incited the attacks online. “We aim to prosecute those responsible for these extremely harmful actions targeting women,” he commented. A feminist influencer had warned prior to the event about men intending to carry out such attacks, highlighting that the perpetrators aimed not just to drug women but to instill fear as well.
The narrative around needle spiking has quickly spread, fuelled by social media, creating an atmosphere of panic. Manon, facing a three-week wait for her toxicology results, remains defiant. “I refuse to let this defeat me. The Fête de la Musique is a time for joy and celebration, and I won’t allow anyone to take that away from me,” she asserted, determined to reclaim her experience from this distressing event.