Recent allegations against former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed have prompted an apology from current management.
- Michael Ward, managing director at Harrods, addressed historical claims of sexual misconduct by the late Mohamed Al Fayed.
- Twenty former Harrods employees have accused Al Fayed of severe misconduct, including rape and sexual assault.
- Harrods is cooperating with the Metropolitan Police to investigate these allegations thoroughly.
- An internal review is underway to assess historical employee roles in these claims.
The recent sexual misconduct allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods, have led to an official apology from the current managing director of the renowned department store. Michael Ward expressed the company’s deep regret, acknowledging that Harrods had ‘failed our colleagues’ during Al Fayed’s tenure.
Ward, who began working at Harrods in 2006 under Al Fayed’s ownership, stated that although there were public rumours regarding Fayed’s conduct, he was not made aware of any criminal activities or direct allegations. He emphasised that had he been informed, immediate action would have been taken.
The serious accusations include claims from twenty former female employees, five of whom allege rape while employed at Harrods. These claims, which surfaced through a BBC investigation, depict a ‘toxic culture of secrecy, intimidation, fear of repercussion and sexual misconduct’ at the hands of Al Fayed.
Harrods is actively working with law enforcement, maintaining communication with the Metropolitan Police to ensure a comprehensive investigation is carried out. Besides this external collaboration, the department store has initiated an internal review process.
Ward has described this period as ‘shameful’ for Harrods, yet reaffirmed the store’s commitment to transparency and support for the survivors of this abuse, acknowledging their bravery in speaking out against such distressing experiences.
The ongoing investigations at Harrods underline a commitment to addressing past wrongs and ensuring a safe environment for all employees.
