Jean grew up in Marseille, France. His family had been in debt to the Moriyamas for many years. His mother abused him, and his father combined work in an organized criminal group with household chores.

Jean protected his younger sister Elodie, always protecting her from her hot-tempered mother and abusive father.

Forever

When he was fourteen years old, his parents sold him to Tetsuji Moriyama, who in exchange for him paid off the debt to Moro Kengo in cash. This happened after Neil Josten agreed to a probation period, which led to Mary Hatford taking him on the run. If Neal had passed the probation period, Gene would have been "fourth" and Neal would have been "third."

Once at Evermore, Jean became Rico's responsibility. Rico treated him like property, not like a man with his own rights. Jean came to Evermore angry, and Rico was tasked with forcing him into submission. Jean was also punished by Tetsuji if his performance in exy was insufficient.

The full extent of Rico's brutality towards Jean has not been disclosed. However, Nora described several random incidents on her Tumblr: under Rico's supervision, Jean broke six fingers (three of them himself), was pushed down the Evermore stairs four times (twice he broke his head), was waterboarded ten times for Rico's pleasure, and was raped five times by other Ravens under Rico's guidance. Rico didn't order the sixth time, because Jean didn't mind the fifth time, and Rico wasn't amused anymore.