Ex-Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed described as ‘a monster’ in sex assault accusation
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Over 20 women have come forward to accuse former Harrods chief Mohamed Al Fayed of sexual misconduct, which includes allegations of rape.
Former female employees have accused the billionaire of sexual assault during their time at the upscale department store in London, with five of them stating that he raped them.
A woman who accused Al Fayed of raping her in his Park Lane apartment when she was a teenager referred to him as a "monster" and a "sexual predator devoid of any morals." She claimed that the employees at Harrods were treated like his "toys." She recalled, "We were all terrified. He thrived on instilling fear. If he told someone to 'jump,' they would ask, 'How high?'"
The BBC's documentary and podcast titled *Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods* collected testimonies from over 20 women who accused Fayed, who passed away last year at the age of 94. The incidents reportedly took place in various locations, including London, Paris, St Tropez, and Abu Dhabi.
The broadcaster claims that Harrods did not take action and may have even assisted in hiding the allegations of abuse.
The current owners of the department store expressed their deep regret, stating they are “deeply shocked” by the claims and that Fayed's supposed victims have not received the support they deserve.
"The level of corruption and mistreatment within this company was astonishing and deeply troubling," remarked barrister Bruce Drummond, who is part of a legal team advocating for several of the women involved.
Fayed was already accused of sexual assault during his lifetime, but the recent BBC report brings to light new allegations and additional supposed victims.
In a recent statement, the department store expressed its deep dismay over the accusations of mistreatment involving Mohamed Al Fayed. They described his actions as those of someone who sought to misuse his authority in every situation. The store strongly denounced these behaviors and recognized that, throughout this period, they let down the employees who suffered as a result. They offered their heartfelt apologies for this failure.
Today's Harrods is a vastly changed entity compared to the organization owned by Al Fayed from 1985 to 2010. Our focus now is on the well-being of our employees, which guides all our actions. In light of new revelations in 2023 regarding past sexual abuse allegations involving Al Fayed, we have made it a priority to resolve these claims swiftly, ensuring that the women affected can avoid prolonged legal battles. This option remains open for all current and former employees of Harrods.
"Although we can't change what has happened in the past, we are committed to taking the right steps as an organization. We are guided by our current values and are dedicated to making sure that this kind of behavior never happens again."
