In one of the most horrifying allegations of corporate sexual exploitation, lawyers for 37 alleged victims dubbed the late millionaire Mohamed Al Fayed a “monster”. Harrods’ longtime owner, who died last year at the age of 94, is now accused of organizing a network of abuse at the luxury department store and other properties, including the Paris Ritz.
Natacha, one of the alleged victims, revealed her story, saying how she joined Harrods at the age of 19 and thought she had found the job of a lifetime. The events that followed were nightmares.
According to her, Al Fayed preys on young, vulnerable women like her. She described an incident in which she was summoned to his private residence under the pretense of a job assessment. She remembered being afraid after the door was locked behind her and seeing inappropriate objects on display. Despite her ability to escape the scene, Al Fayed reportedly laughed and cautioned her not to speak about it again.
More than 20 former employees have come forward, with many detailing experiences of abuse and physical violence on Fayed’s properties.
Five women allege the billionaire raped them, while others recount invasive medical exams without their consent, including STD testing. These attacks allegedly took place at high-profile sites, including the Ritz in Paris and a French house once owned by the Duke of Windsor.
The victims’ legal team has launched a civil lawsuit against Harrods for failing to provide a safe workplace for its employees. Lawyers engaged in the case have described it as one of the worst examples of corporate sexual assault ever seen.
Barrister Bruce Drummond underlined that majority of the victims were aged 19 to 24, with some as young as 15, and that they were systematically exploited within the company structure.
Dean Armstrong KC, representing the victims, linked the case to other well-known scandals, including those involving Jimmy Savile, Jeffrey Epstein, and Harvey Weinstein. Armstrong slammed Harrods’ toxic environment under Al Fayed’s leadership, claiming that the department store assisted the abuse by failing to take action.
Also Read: Kevin Hart Caught on Camera in Diddy ‘Freak Off’ Video
In response to the allegations, Harrods issued a public apology, expressing its horror and regret over the actions of Mohamed Al Fayed. The store has created a platform for former employees to come forward with their stories, while emphasizing that it is now a very different organization than it was during Fayed’s ownership from 1985 to 2010. Current management stressed that they prioritize the safety and well-being of their employees.
Gloria Allred, a US lawyer representing some of the victims, indicated that the sexual assault went beyond Harrods, with complaints emerging from other Fayed-owned firms. Allred stated how Fayed used his power and influence to lure young women, hiding an oppressive environment beneath the lavishness of his estates.
Also Read: A Live Mouse ‘Jumped’ Out of a Passenger’s Airplane Meal, Causing the Flight to Be Diverted
While police investigated Al Fayed’s acts throughout his lifetime, no charges were brought. The Metropolitan Police Department verified that many reports had been submitted, but that there was insufficient evidence to prosecute. However, with the surfacing of additional accusations, the victims are demanding justice for what they have undergone.
The current judicial actions aim to hold Harrods and Al Fayed’s estate accountable for the alleged violations. The case highlights the failure of corporate systems to protect employees and the importance of addressing sexual exploitation in the workplace.
