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More than 20 women have accused former Harrods owner Mohammad Al Fayed of sexual assault, including five who say they were raped.
The ex-employees, all female, said the Egyptian billionaire had assaulted them while working at the world-famous London department store.
After the allegations were revealed, another woman came forward to accuse him of “sickening” sexual abuse.
Lawyers and survivors involved in the case will hold a press conference on Friday about the allegations, which were first revealed in BBC documentary Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods.
Fayed, who is accused of abusing women in London, Paris, St Tropez and Abu Dhabi, died last year aged 94.
One woman, who was just a teenager when she was allegedly raped by Fayed, described him as a “monster, a sexual predator with no moral compass whatsoever”, who viewed staff at Harrods as his “playthings”.
Harrods said it was “utterly appalled” by the allegations and said they were the actions of “someone intent on abusing his power wherever he operated”.
Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk. If you are in the US, you can call Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673).
Harrods says it is ‘utterly appalled’ by allegations of abuse by late owner
Following the new allegation, Harrods’ current owners said they stood by a statement issued on Thursday which said they were “utterly appalled” by the allegations of abuse.
It said Fayed was “intent on abusing his power wherever he operated” and accepted it had “failed” employees in its lack of response.
The department store has also set up a page on its website inviting former employees to come forward if they have any allegations.
Andy Gregory20 September 2024 09:54
Legal team involved in Al Fayed probe to hold press conference
At a press conference due to start at 10am, a legal team involved in the investigation against Mohammad Al Fayed is expected to share more details about a claim against the luxury department store for allegedly failing to provide a safe system of work for its employees.
After the publication of the investigation on Thursday, a woman who the BBC is calling Melanie came forward to say she had been subjected to a “sickening” sexual assault by the Egyptian billionaire.
Andy Gregory20 September 2024 09:53
New sex assault claim against Mohamed Al Fayed
A new sex assault claim has been made against Mohamed Al Fayed after an investigation into the late Harrods owner was published.
The woman believes police nearly arrested him over her allegations just days before he died in August 2023, she told the BBC.
More than 20 female former employees have spoken to the broadcaster as part of a special investigation, coming forward with allegations of assault and physical violence, with incidents said to have happened in London, Paris, St Tropez and Abu Dhabi.
Five women alleged they had been raped by Fayed, who died last year at the age of 94. The BBC alleged Harrods not only failed to intervene but helped cover up the allegations of abuse.
You can read more in this report:
Andy Gregory20 September 2024 09:52
We’ll be using this blog to bring you the latest updates as the legal team involved in the investigation into claims of rape by late Harrods owner Mohammad Al Fayed hold a press conference.
Andy Gregory20 September 2024 09:51