The legacy of Mohamed Al Fayed’s ownership of Harrods faces scrutiny following serious allegations.
- Harrods is responding to accusations of rape and sexual assault against Mohamed Al Fayed.
- The allegations surfaced in a BBC documentary, with testimony from 13 women.
- Harrods acknowledges past failures in supporting employees during Al Fayed’s tenure.
- The store has established a webpage for victims to pursue claims against Al Fayed.
Harrods, the iconic London department store, has found itself at the centre of attention following accusations against its former owner, Mohamed Al Fayed. Allegations have emerged, claiming Al Fayed committed acts of rape and sexual assault during his time in charge from 1985 to 2010. These allegations were brought to light by a recent BBC documentary, prompting Harrods to publicly address the matter.
The documentary, titled ‘Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods,’ offers testimonies from 13 women who assert they were victims of Al Fayed’s abuse. In the aftermath of these revelations, Harrods has issued a statement expressing their profound shock and condemnation of Al Fayed’s alleged misconduct. They remarked on failing to protect employees who suffered under Al Fayed’s authority during his ownership.
In their response, Harrods has unequivocally stated that the actions of Al Fayed were those of an individual intent on abusing his power. The company expresses regret for any complicity during his ownership and assures that they are a different entity today, under new leadership. Harrods has reached out directly to potential victims by setting up a webpage where those affected can submit claims for compensation.
After Al Fayed’s reign, which ended in 2010 when Harrods was acquired by the Qatar Investment Authority for £1.5bn, the store has undergone significant changes. Harrods comments on its internal transformation, stressing that employee welfare is now a top priority. Following the emergence of fresh information in 2023 regarding these historical allegations, Harrods is keen to resolve claims swiftly, bypassing long legal procedures for the victims’ benefit.
The organisation emphasises its commitment to learning from past mistakes and ensuring such abuses are never replicated in the future. Harrods maintains that their current practices reflect the core values of responsibility and care, a departure from the oversight present during Al Fayed’s tenure, as highlighted by the recent allegations.
Harrods continues to navigate the fallout from these allegations, focusing on accountability and improvement.
