Over 200 women are negotiating claims of sexual misconduct tied to the former owner’s tenure
Key Takeaways:
- Over 200 women are engaged in settlement discussions with Harrods over alleged sexual abuse by its former owner Mohamed Al Fayed.
- The allegations surfaced after a BBC documentary aired, leading to new claims of abuse from an additional 65 women.
- The Metropolitan Police are investigating these claims, some dating back to 1977.
- Harrods’ management acknowledged a toxic culture under Fayed but denied knowledge of criminal activities.
More than 200 women are engaged in settlement negotiations with Harrods over allegations of sexual abuse by its former owner, Mohamed Al Fayed, the luxury London department store confirmed on Thursday. The Egyptian billionaire, who passed away last year at the age of 94, is the subject of new accusations following the release of a BBC documentary that detailed claims of sexual assault and rape during his ownership of Harrods.
In a statement, Harrods said, “Since the airing of the documentary, so far there are 200+ individuals who are now in the Harrods process to settle claims directly with the business.” The store clarified that these discussions are ongoing as more alleged victims come forward.
According to the BBC, an additional 65 women have made accusations against Fayed, adding to the growing number of claims that have surfaced since the documentary’s release. The Justice for Harrods Survivors group, which represents many of the alleged victims, now includes over 70 clients.
London’s Metropolitan Police is investigating several new claims related to sexual harassment, assault, and rape, with some incidents dating back to 1977. The allegations detail abusive behavior by Fayed at his residences in London and Paris, including at the Ritz hotel. Fayed was also the owner of Fulham Football Club during his career.
Harrods Managing Director Michael Ward acknowledged that Fayed’s tenure as owner was marked by a “toxic culture of secrecy, intimidation, fear of repercussion and sexual misconduct,” but he denied any prior knowledge of criminal activities occurring under Fayed’s leadership.
Accusers have alleged that they were subjected to an invasive selection process involving gynecological examinations, with the results reportedly shared with Fayed. Women who attempted to report the abuse claimed they were met with threats and false accusations.
Fayed sold Harrods to Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund for a reported £1.5 billion ($2.2 billion), ending his ownership of the renowned department store. The settlement discussions, investigations, and new accusations continue as the scope of the alleged misconduct unfolds.