More than 20 women have accused the late Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed of sexually abusing female staff at his luxury London department store, Harrods. The allegations include sexual assault, rape, and coercion spanning 25 years during Al Fayed’s ownership from 1985 to 2010, as revealed by lawyers for the alleged victims on Friday.
A recent BBC documentary featured these women sharing their experiences, prompting Harrods to issue a public apology. “Underneath Harrods’ glitz and glamour was a toxic, unsafe, and abusive environment,” lawyer Gloria Allred stated at a press conference.
According to the allegations, Al Fayed not only sexually abused female employees but also subjected them to unnecessary medical screenings, including cervical examinations, under the guise of ensuring they were “clean.” Those who attempted to resist or report the abuse faced threats of dire consequences. One former employee, Natacha, described Al Fayed as “a monster” who had evaded accountability during his life.
Al Fayed, who died in 2023 at age 94, consistently denied the accusations. However, his passing has empowered several victims to come forward with their stories. In response, Harrods expressed shock and dismay over the allegations. “These were the actions of an individual intent on abusing his power,” the statement read, noting that the store is now a “very different organization.” The company acknowledged that victims were failed during Al Fayed’s tenure and extended its sincerest apologies.
Lawyers representing the alleged victims plan to file a civil lawsuit against Harrods, arguing that the store bears corporate responsibility for enabling Al Fayed’s abusive behavior. “Harrods was aware of Al Fayed’s actions long before 2023 and should have acknowledged it earlier,” said lawyer Dean Armstrong, who confirmed that the number of accusers, currently at 37, is expected to rise.
This is not the first time allegations against Al Fayed have surfaced. Claims of his abusive behavior date back to as early as 1995, when Vanity Fair exposed instances of sexual misconduct. Other media outlets, including ITV in 1997 and Channel 4 in 2017, have also reported accusations against him. Many victims felt unable to speak out until after his death.
In 2009, British prosecutors chose not to charge Al Fayed in connection with allegations that he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl, citing insufficient evidence for a conviction. Despite this, the recent revelations have reignited calls for justice.
Armstrong emphasized the importance of holding institutions accountable for enabling such behavior. “Meaningful accountability means giving the victims a voice,” he stated. Lawyers plan to seek compensation for the victims and pursue justice through civil litigation against Harrods.
Al Fayed, who amassed his fortune through real estate and shipping, was also known for his decade-long attempts to prove that his son, Dodi Fayed, and Princess Diana were murdered in their 1997 car crash in Paris, claims later dismissed by official inquests.
Harrods, now owned by the Qatari royal family, has promised to assist any current or former employees seeking compensation for abuse endured during Al Fayed’s ownership.
