Former Harrods Owner Mohamed Al Fayed Accused by Multiple Women of Sexual Abuse

Five women who have accused Mohamed Al Fayed of sexual abuse have recounted their experiences in a BBC interview. The allegations against Fayed, a former owner of the luxury department store Harrods, surfaced following his death in September 2023 at the age of 94.

Fayed, who helmed Harrods from 1985 to 2010, and was the father of Dodi Fayed, who died in a car crash with Princess Diana in 1997, is accused by 20 women of committing sexual assault or rape during their time as employees at the prestigious store.

Lindsay, one of the accusers, worked as Fayed’s personal assistant for a five-month period between 1989 and 1990. She described an incident where a presumed business trip turned into what she believed was a case of trafficking, leading to a terrifying night at Dodi Fayed’s flat.

Another former employee, Jen, who served Fayed for nearly five years, disclosed experiences of serious sexual assaults and an attempted rape. Overwhelmed by the sense of threat, she stayed silent for 35 years until Fayed’s death “helped me to come forward without any fear,” she explained.

Katherine, who was employed as a senior PA for Fayed for three months in 2005, revealed the humiliating experiences during her first week, including Fayed’s inappropriate comments about her appearance and a frightening trip to Paris.

The current owners of Harrods have expressed being “utterly appalled” by these allegations, acknowledging the failure in protecting the alleged victims.

The BBC continues to cover testimonies from these women, shedding light on the serious nature of the allegations against Fayed, which reportedly span several decades of his business career.