The legacy of Mohamed Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods, has been overshadowed by serious allegations of sexual assault and rape. Following his death in 2023, a BBC documentary titled Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods has brought to light the testimonies of over 20 women who allege they were assaulted during their employment at the luxury department store. These claims span locations from London and Paris to St. Tropez and Abu Dhabi, painting a chilling picture of a culture of fear and abuse within Harrods under Al Fayed’s ownership.
According to the testimonies, many women were promoted to work closely with Al Fayed after being identified as attractive by him. These promotions often led to sexual advances and, in some cases, outright assaults. One victim recounted a harrowing experience at Al Fayed’s Park Lane apartment, stating, “I made it obvious that I didn’t want that to happen. I did not give consent. I just wanted it to be over.” Another victim, recalling her assault as a teenager, described him as a “monster, a sexual predator with no moral compass.”
The accounts reveal a systematic failure by Harrods to protect its employees. Current owners have expressed being “utterly appalled” by the allegations and have issued an apology to the victims. Legal representatives for some of the women assert that Harrods had a responsibility to provide a safe working environment and failed miserably in this regard. As one barrister stated, “They just did nothing to actually prevent this. They enabled it.”
Al Fayed, who gained prominence in the UK after acquiring Harrods in 1985, had a well-documented public persona, often appearing on television. However, the women’s experiences starkly contrast this image. Many described a pervasive “culture of fear” that discouraged them from speaking out, with testimonies indicating that security staff were aware of Al Fayed’s behavior but felt powerless to intervene.
Former employees noted that invasive medical examinations, presented as perks, were a chilling tactic to maintain control over the women. “There is no benefit to anybody knowing what my sexual health is unless you’re planning to sleep with somebody,” one former assistant remarked, underscoring the predatory nature of Al Fayed’s actions.
Despite earlier allegations of misconduct against Al Fayed during his life, the scale and seriousness of these new claims are unprecedented. While he faced accusations in the past, such as those reported by Vanity Fair in 1995, many women felt compelled to remain silent due to intimidation and threats, particularly from Harrods’ security.
Today, with the weight of Al Fayed’s death lifted, more women are coming forward, emboldened by the testimonies of their peers. They are seeking legal recourse, with 14 women recently filing civil claims against Harrods for damages. The store’s current management has committed to settling these claims, stating their intention to ensure that such behavior never recurs.
As the documentary continues to resonate, it underscores a critical societal issue: the need for accountability and change within workplaces that have historically enabled predatory behavior. Many women have expressed a desire not only for justice but for healing, hoping that by speaking out, they can help prevent future generations from enduring similar experiences.
The Ritz hotel in Paris, another property associated with Al Fayed, has also distanced itself from his actions, condemning all forms of abuse. As this unfolding scandal reveals the dark underbelly of a once-glamorous empire, it serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for vigilance and reform in all workplaces to protect those who are most vulnerable.
