Over 20 women have accused former Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed of rape and sexual assault. The allegations have come from former employees, citing incidents across global locations. Harrods has issued a strong condemnation and apologised for past failures. A BBC documentary has brought new evidence to light. Harrods prioritises claims settlement to avoid prolonged legal proceedings.
More than 20 women who previously worked at the renowned London department store Harrods have come forward with serious accusations against the store’s former owner, Mohamed Al Fayed. These allegations include both rape and sexual assault, presenting a grim portrait of Al Fayed’s tenure. Notably, five individuals have accused him of rape, with one former staff member describing a particularly harrowing incident from her teenage years.
The accounts provided by the former employees depict Al Fayed as a man who wielded his power with intimidation and control. Describing him as a “monster” and a “sexual predator with no moral compass,” one woman stated that the staff was perpetually fearful, illustrating a work environment where commands were met with unquestioning obedience.
In an effort to further investigate these claims, the BBC produced a documentary titled “Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods,” revealing incidents that purportedly took place in a range of international locations including London, St Tropez, Abu Dhabi, and Paris. These revelations have prompted Harrods’ current owners to express profound dismay, issuing a statement condemning the alleged actions of Al Fayed in the strongest terms.
Harrods, acknowledging its past errors in safeguarding employees, has apologised to the victims of these alleged assaults. The company emphasised that it is now fundamentally different from the entity led by Al Fayed from 1985 to 2010. Since the emergence of these allegations in 2023, Harrods has been committed to resolving claims expediently to shield the women involved from potentially drawn-out legal battles.
While the retailer cannot change its past, it is determined to restore its integrity by aligning with the ethical standards it upholds today, making sure such behaviour does not occur in the future.
The allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed represent a troubling chapter in Harrods’ history, with the company now committed to ensuring a safe and respectful environment moving forward.
