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For the first time, the boss of Harrods, Michael Ward, has apologised over the allegations of sexual abuse surrounding the late Mohamed Al Fayed, its former owner. Speaking to the BBC at Harrods’ HQ, Ward stated: “I am very dreadfully sorry for what has happened with Al Fayed.” An internal review is being carried out by new owner, the Qatar Investment Authority, but has declined to comment on whether the alleged victims’ claims have been identified or whether any current staff members have been implicated.
Al Fayed, who died in 2020, has been accused of sexually assaulting over 20 women in a podcast and BBC documentary. Following its screening, dozens of other people approached the broadcaster concerning abuse at the store and at other places owned by Al Fayed. Hundreds of women in total have alleged the former owner of sexual assault, harassment or rape.
There are over 290 claims by victims seeking compensation from Harrods with its own scheme existing separate from the legal case against them. Lawyers for some of those impacted are taking a claim against Harrods as well as on the Al Fayed estate, with potentially hundreds more claims being added.
Ward had previously stepped down from his role as a trustee of Royal Ballet and Opera while Harrods conducted its review but has stated in September that he was not aware of abuse at the company and that Al Fayed had presided over a culture of “secrecy, intimidation, fear of repercussion and sexual misconduct”, calling it a “shameful period”. While the BBC had approached Ward for an interview regarding the allegations at Harrods at that time, he declined
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