Five women have come forward alleging assault, sex trafficking, attempted rape, false imprisonment, and daily groping during their time working with Mohamed Al Fayed at his London department store, Harrods. The women spoke about their experiences during a recent BBC documentary investigation, “Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods.” Lindsay, who worked as Fayed’s personal assistant for five months in 1989-90, shared details of a night in Paris when she believes she was drugged and attacked by Fayed. She recalls being taken to a flat belonging to Fayed’s son, where she was locked inside and says she has no memory of returning from Paris. During the same documentary, four other women came forward with stories of their own.
In response to the accusations, the current owners of Harrods have issued an unconditional apology and confirmed that they are investigating whether any current staff were involved in the abuse. Harrods was owned by Fayed from 1985 until 2010, a period of almost 30 years. Evidence presented during the documentary suggests that there was a culture of fear within the store during this period, with Fayed able to act with impunity.
The women who shared their stories urged others who may have been victims of Fayed to come forward. Many women are pursuing justice via an alternative legal process, with one of the lawyers involved stating that his team has heard from up to 200 women. The women who shared their stories hope that by speaking out, they can ensure that Fayed is held accountable for his actions and that others who have suffered similar abuse may feel empowered to come forward as well.
Fayed bought Harrods in 1985 and sold it in 2010. The current owners have committed to agreeing to new settlements with victims of Fayed’s abuse, and the store is keen to emphasise that it is a very different place under its current leadership. However, it is clear that the legacy of Fayed’s behaviour still weighs heavily on the store and those who worked there during his tenure. The women who have come forward hope that their stories will help to prevent others from suffering in the same way
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