French Nanny Faces Trial for Poisoning Jewish Family with Antisemitism Element in Focus

Leila Y., a 42-year-old nanny, appeared before the correctional tribunal in Nanterre accused of poisoning several members of a Jewish family she worked for. She is alleged to have contaminated the drinks and cosmetics of her employers with household cleaning products, including bleach, between September 2023 and early 2024. The family, known as the T.s, employs her part-time to care for their three children, aged 2, 5, and 7.

The case began when the mother reported unusual chemical tastes and odors in wine, grape juice, and makeup remover, leading police to investigate. Leila, who used the alias 'Nadine' and presented a false Belgian identity card at hiring, denies all accusations, including any antisemitic motives or dissatisfaction with her pay. She maintains that she did not introduce toxic substances into the family’s items.

The prosecution requested a three-year prison term, continued detention, a five-year restraining order barring contact with the family, and a ten-year ban from entering France. While the prosecutor opposed emphasizing antisemitism as an aggravating factor, the investigating judge considered this an element of the case, citing motives tied to race, ethnicity, nation, or religion.

Throughout the trial held on December 9, 2025, Leila appeared calm with her hands clasped, repeatedly denying the allegations. The case has drawn considerable attention due to the serious nature of the claims and the possible antisemitic dimension. The investigation also revealed that aside from the family members, only the nanny had access to their home where the poisoning events allegedly occurred.

The trial continues to unfold as the court weighs the evidence and the motivations behind the poisoning incidents that disrupted this Jewish household’s safety and trust. It underscores challenges in domestic employment and raises important questions about prejudice and criminal intent within intimate family settings.