Harrods managing director Michael Ward apologises following serious allegations surrounding former owner Mohamed Al Fayed.
- Ward expressed his deep regret during an interview with the BBC.
- Over 250 claims have been made against Al Fayed, involving serious accusations.
- The allegations surfaced following a recent documentary by the BBC.
- Harrods is undergoing an internal investigation regarding the matter.
In a recent development, Harrods managing director Michael Ward has publicly apologised in connection with the serious allegations of sexual abuse against the department store’s former owner, Mohamed Al Fayed. Ward conveyed his remorse during an interview with the BBC, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
Ward, who worked closely with Al Fayed until 2010, disclosed that he was previously unaware of any misconduct attributed to Al Fayed. However, as the severity of the allegations came to light, Ward expressed his profound sadness over the matter, stating: “I am very dreadfully sorry for what has happened with Al Fayed.”
The allegations, which include accusations of rape and attempted rape, have prompted legal actions by over 250 women. These claims arose after the BBC broadcast a documentary in September that unveiled allegations spanning many years. The documentary’s revelations have brought to the fore decades of purported abusive actions by Al Fayed, who was Harrods’ owner from 1985 until 2010.
Harrods’ current owners have expressed their dismay regarding these allegations, admitting that the organisation “failed our colleagues.” Since the airing of the documentary, the company has initiated an internal probe to determine if any existing staff members were complicit or had knowledge of the alleged misconduct.
Despite the gravity of these accusations, Ward declined further discussion on what the senior staff at Harrods knew at the time, stating the retailer had “nothing further to add.” This response leaves several questions unanswered regarding internal awareness of Al Fayed’s actions during his tenure at the luxury retailer.
The allegations of abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed have cast a long shadow over Harrods, with ongoing investigations seeking to address past failings.
