Harrods Faces Allegations of Sexual Abuse by Former Owner Mohamed Al Fayed
A year after the death of Mohamed Al Fayed, former employees of Harrods department store have come forward with serious allegations of sexual abuse, including rape and assault. In a revealing BBC documentary titled "Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods," airing Thursday at 9 PM, over 20 women recount their harrowing experiences under the former billionaire's reign at the luxury London store. The documentary highlights a systematic pattern of abuse that occurred between the late 1980s and 2000s.
Victims Speak Out About Al Fayed's Predatory Behavior
The allegations against Al Fayed are alarming, with at least five women claiming he raped them, while others describe various forms of assault. One victim, who was just a teenager at the time, recalls being lured to Al Fayed's apartment under the pretext of safety, only to be assaulted once inside. Another former employee, Sophia, described a terrifying encounter where she fought back against Al Fayed’s advances. "I thought 'he's going to rape me,'" she said, highlighting the fear and helplessness many women felt in those situations.
Harrods Responds to Allegations with Apology and Commitment to Change
In light of these grave accusations, Harrods has expressed its horror at the actions of its former owner. The current management, which acquired the store in 2010, stated, "We are utterly appalled by the allegations of abuse perpetrated by Mohamed Al Fayed... we sincerely apologize" to the victims. They acknowledged a failure to protect employees and have begun negotiating settlements with the victims to avoid lengthy legal proceedings. The investigation has also revealed a culture of silence and complicity within Harrods during Al Fayed's ownership, with many employees aware of the misconduct but feeling powerless to act.
