Harrods initiates an investigation into staff involvement following allegations against its former owner, Mohamed Al Fayed.
- Allegations of rape and sexual assault against Al Fayed emerged from a BBC documentary and podcast.
- Nearly 100 women have come forward with accusations against the former owner.
- Harrods has contacted Scotland Yard for assistance and set up an internal review.
- A non-executive committee has been established to further explore the implications of these allegations.
The iconic luxury department store, Harrods, has commenced a thorough investigation to ascertain the extent of involvement, if any, of its current staff in the alleged misconduct by its former owner, Mohamed Al Fayed. These allegations, primarily revealed through a BBC documentary and podcast, have spurred the retailer into action.
The programme, entitled Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods, aired on 19 September, has brought to light serious accusations by numerous women against Al Fayed, who was at the helm of Harrods from 1985 to 2010. Since the airing, approximately 100 women have come forward alleging sexual assault, prompting the store to scrutinise its historical and current associations.
In response to these surfacing claims, Harrods has proactively launched an internal review, supported by external legal counsel, to determine whether any present employees were directly or indirectly involved in these incidents. The firm’s actions reflect a strong commitment to transparency and accountability, as expressed in their statement describing the allegations as ‘utterly appalling’.
Further intensifying its investigative efforts, Harrods has engaged a non-executive committee of its board to delve deeper into the ramifications of the claims and ensure comprehensive exploration of possible internal connections to the allegations.
Moreover, Harrods is collaborating closely with the Metropolitan Police, providing any necessary aid to align their internal investigation with broader judicial inquiries. Al Fayed, who passed away in 2023, had sold Harrods to the Qatar Investment Authority in 2010 for approximately £1.5 billion. The store has also created a platform for past and present employees to report any incidents related to this case, not only as an act of due diligence but also to extend support to potential victims in pursuing claims for compensation.
Harrods remains resolute in its pursuit of truth and justice in response to the serious allegations against its former owner.
