Billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed, ex-Harrods owner, accused of decades-long abuse

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 over a period spanning 25 years during Al Fayed's ownership of the store from 1985 to 2010, lawyers for the alleged victims revealed on Friday.

The BBC recently aired a documentary where these women shared their experiences, prompting Harrods to issue a public apology.

"Underneath Harrods' glitz and glamour was a toxic, unsafe, and abusive environment," said lawyer Gloria Allred at a press conference.

According to the accusations, Al Fayed not only sexually abused female employees but also subjected them to medical screenings, including cervical examinations, under the pretext of ensuring they were "clean."

Those who attempted to resist or report the abuse were threatened with dire consequences. One former employee, Natacha, described Al Fayed as "a monster" who had escaped accountability during his lifetime.

Al Fayed, who passed away in 2023 at age 94, consistently denied the accusations throughout his life. However, his death has empowered several victims to come forward with their stories.

In response to the allegations, Harrods issued a statement expressing shock and dismay.

"These were the actions of an individual intent on abusing his power," the statement read, adding that the store is now a "very different organization."

The company also 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. He also confirmed that the number of accusers, currently 37, is expected to rise.

This is not the first time allegations against Al Fayed have surfaced.

Reports of his abusive behavior date back to as early as 1995 when Vanity Fair exposed claims of sexual misconduct. Other media outlets, such as ITV in 1997 and Channel 4 in 2017, have also documented accusations against him. However, many victims felt unable to speak out until after his death.

In 2009, British prosecutors declined to charge Al Fayed in connection with allegations that he sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl, citing insufficient evidence for 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 built 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.

These claims were later dismissed by official inquests.

Harrods, now owned by the Qatar royal family, has promised to assist any current or former employees seeking compensation for abuse they endured during Al Fayed’s ownership.