Multiple women have come forward with serious allegations of sexual abuse against the late Mohamed Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods department store. In a press conference held on Friday, lawyers representing the accusers described the case as one of the most egregious examples of corporate sexual exploitation they have encountered.
Dean Armstrong KC, lead counsel for the alleged victims, said, “We will say it plainly, Mohamed Al Fayed was a monster. But he was a monster enabled by a system.” Barrister Bruce Drummond echoed this sentiment, calling it “one of the worst cases of corporate sexual exploitation in recent memory.
More than 20 women have alleged physical and sexual assault by Al Fayed at properties he owned in London, St Tropez, Abu Dhabi, and Paris. Five women have come forward claiming they were raped by the Egyptian-born billionaire, who passed away in September 2023 at the age of 94. The alleged abuse spans Al Fayed’s 25-year tenure as the owner of Harrods, which he sold in 2010.
A recent BBC documentary shed light on these allegations, detailing a “procurement system” that subjected potential victims to medical examinations, including cervical smears and sexual health screenings. This was reportedly done as part of their roles as secretaries and personal assistants to Al Fayed. Accusers have also claimed that security teams monitored their personal relationships and were required to report on them.
One accuser, Natacha, who waived her right to anonymity, described being subjected to invasive medical exams and unwanted sexual advances when she began working for Al Fayed at age 19. She recounted incidents of forced kissing and touching, stating, “These incidents lasted seconds but the fear instilled left me paralysed.
In response to the allegations, Harrods released a statement expressing shock and condemning the alleged actions. We are utterly appalled by the allegations of abuse perpetrated by Mohamed Al Fayed. These were the actions of an individual who was intent on abusing his power wherever he operated,” the spokesperson said.
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they had previously received and investigated various allegations against Al Fayed over the years, but no charges were ever filed. They have encouraged any victims to come forward with further information.
The case continues to unfold, with many await
