A recent BBC documentary has brought to light disturbing allegations against the late Mohamed al-Fayed, former owner of the iconic Harrods department store in London. The program, titled "Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods," features testimonies from over 20 women who have come forward with accusations of sexual assault against the Egyptian-born businessman.
Five of the women interviewed by the BBC claim they were raped by Fayed during their employment at Harrods. The allegations span a period from 1985 to 2010, coinciding with Fayed's ownership of the store. This revelation comes approximately one year after Fayed's death in 2023, at the age of 94.
The documentary sheds light on a workplace culture allegedly marred by fear and control. Former staff members described a sense of powerlessness, with one stating, "We all watched each other walk through that door thinking, 'you poor girl, it's your turn today' and feeling utterly powerless to stop it." The store's former deputy director of security revealed that phones were bugged and cameras installed throughout the premises, contributing to an atmosphere of constant surveillance.
These new allegations add to a history of controversial incidents involving Fayed. In 2009, prosecutors declined to press charges against him regarding allegations involving a 15-year-old girl. In 2013, he was questioned by police following a sexual attack claim after a job interview, though he denied the accusations and was never charged.
"We are utterly appalled by the allegations of abuse. We acknowledge that during this time as a business we failed our employees who were his victims, and for this we sincerely apologise."
The current owners of Harrods, who acquired the store from Fayed in 2010 for approximately $2 billion, have expressed their shock at the allegations and apologized for the company's past failures. They emphasize that today's Harrods is a fundamentally different organization, prioritizing employee welfare and taking steps to address claims promptly.
It's worth noting that Fayed was a complex and controversial figure in British society. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, in 1929, he rose to prominence as a businessman, acquiring the Ritz Hotel in Paris in 1979 before purchasing Harrods in 1985. Despite his business success, Fayed was twice denied British citizenship and maintained a contentious relationship with the British establishment.
Fayed's life intersected with significant historical events, including the tragic death of his son Dodi alongside Princess Diana in a 1997 car crash in Paris. This connection brought him further into the public eye and was recently portrayed in the Netflix series "The Crown."
As the documentary brings these allegations to light, it serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing workplace abuse and the long-lasting impact it can have on victims. The current Harrods management's commitment to settling claims and preventing future incidents reflects a broader societal shift towards accountability and support for survivors of sexual assault.