My Take | Al-Fayed should not have been able to get away with what he did
The scale, duration and severity of his abuse defies belief. Now the spotlight of suspicion is falling on alleged enablers and facilitators
Harrods department store, with its dazzling array of luxury goods and celebrity customers, is arguably the most famous in the world, a much-loved London tourist attraction.
But for many young women working for the company when it was owned by Egyptian billionaire Mohammed al-Fayed between 1985 and 2010, the experience was “a living nightmare”.
A BBC documentary has revealed chilling allegations by more than 20 women of sexual abuse, including rape and attempted rape, by Fayed over many years. Since the broadcast, more have come forward with 60 approaching lawyers supporting victims. Many had remained silent, fearing reprisals from this wealthy, well-connected and powerful man, who had ties to the royal family. Some found the courage to speak up following his death last year at 94.
The scale, duration and severity of Fayed’s abuse defies belief. It should not have been possible for him to get away with it. But he did.
A disturbing picture emerges from the harrowing accounts given by his victims at Harrods. Fayed would tour the sales floors and identify young women he liked the look of, giving them jobs in his office.
Incredibly, those selected were required to undergo intrusive sexual health checks. These were presented as a perk. But the results were sent to Fayed, not the employees.
