Dozens of former Harrods employees have come forward with allegations that Mohammed al-Fayed, the former owner of the luxury department store, sexually assaulted or raped them during his tenure.
The accusations span multiple locations, including London, Paris, St. Tropez, and Abu Dhabi.
The BBC reports that over 20 women have shared their harrowing experiences, describing a pattern of abuse by the billionaire, who passed away last year at 94. Victims claim that al-Fayed not only perpetrated these acts but that the company itself helped cover them up.
One victim described al-Fayed’s behaviour as predatory, stating, “All the staff were his toys. He cultivated fear. If he said ‘jump,’ we asked ‘how high.’” Another victim, who was a teenager at the time, referred to al-Fayed as a “monster” with no moral code.
Lawyer Bruce Damen, representing some of the women, criticised the deep-rooted corruption and abuse within the company. Current Harrods owners have expressed shock and issued apologies, but the revelations have cast a dark shadow over al-Fayed’s legacy.
The accounts include instances of assault in al-Fayed’s London flat, his Paris Ritz hotel, and the Villa Windsor. Women reported feeling powerless to stop the abuse, with some detailing how al-Fayed’s behaviour escalated during international trips.