Five women have come forward with accusations that former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed raped them while they were employed at the prestigious London department store.
The BBC has obtained statements from over 20 former female employees, many of whom claim that the billionaire, who passed away last year at 94, sexually assaulted them, including incidents of rape.
A new documentary and podcast, Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods, has uncovered evidence suggesting that during Fayed’s time as owner, Harrods not only failed to address these allegations but actively worked to cover them up.
The current owners of Harrods expressed their deep shock over the revelations and apologized to the victims, acknowledging that the women were failed by the company.
Bruce Drummond, a barrister representing several of the victims, said,
“The level of corruption and abuse within this company was unimaginable and deeply disturbing.”
The alleged assaults occurred in various locations, including London, Paris, St. Tropez, and Abu Dhabi.
One of the women described how she made it clear she did not consent when Fayed raped her at his Park Lane apartment, while another recounted being a teenager when she was attacked at his Mayfair residence.
One survivor called Fayed “a monster, a sexual predator without any moral compass,” describing how employees were treated as his “playthings” and how he fostered a climate of fear.
While Fayed had faced sexual assault claims during his lifetime, these recent accusations are more widespread and severe.
The BBC believes that many more women may have been victims of his abuse.
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