London – Mohamed Al-Fayed, the billionaire former owner of the luxury London department store Harrods, has been accused of multiple rapes, according to a new BBC documentary titled "Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods." The accusations come from five women who claim they were sexually assaulted by Al-Fayed during his ownership of the iconic store, from 1985 to 2010.
Al-Fayed, who passed away in 2022 at the age of 94, became a well-known figure globally after his son, Dodi Fayed, died in a 1997 Paris car crash alongside Princess Diana. Now, serious allegations have surfaced, accusing the late businessman of abusing his power to exploit women who worked at Harrods.
The BBC documentary reveals that over 20 former female employees allege they were sexually assaulted by Al-Fayed, with the incidents reportedly taking place in locations including London, St. Tropez, Abu Dhabi, and Paris. The accusations highlight an alleged pattern of abuse at Al-Fayed’s properties, including his London apartment and the Villa Windsor in Paris, where he reportedly raped some of his employees.
One woman, identified as Sophia, worked as Al-Fayed’s personal assistant from 1988 to 1991. She stated that the billionaire attempted to rape her more than once. “I knew I had to go through this, and I didn’t want to,” she said in her testimony, describing a time when she felt trapped in her job, unable to leave due to financial pressures.
Another accuser, Gemma, who worked for Al-Fayed from 2007 to 2009, claimed she was raped at Villa Windsor. She revealed that as part of her exit from the role, she was forced to sign a non-disclosure agreement and shred evidence of the assault, in exchange for a monetary settlement.
Harrods, now under different ownership, has responded to the allegations with a public statement expressing regret. “We are utterly appalled by these allegations. The victims were failed, and for this, we sincerely apologize,” the store said. The current management also acknowledged its role in facilitating settlements for 14 women who have brought civil claims against the department store.
The BBC documentary further alleges that Harrods failed to take action or intervene when reports of sexual misconduct surfaced during Al-Fayed’s tenure. Instead, the company is accused of helping to cover up the abuse.
Tony Leeming, a former Harrods department manager, corroborated some of the allegations, stating that while he was aware of Al-Fayed’s inappropriate behavior toward women, he did not know about the alleged rapes. Eamon Coyle, a former security official at Harrods, confirmed Al-Fayed’s predatory interest in young women, explaining that rumors about his conduct were common knowledge among staff.
The allegations come amidst reports that Al-Fayed had previously faced sexual assault claims in 1997, 2008, and 2017, but the billionaire had always maintained his innocence.
Al-Fayed, born in Egypt, moved to the United Kingdom in 1974 and became a prominent figure in the British business world after purchasing Harrods in 1985. Despite his high-profile status and connections to the British royal family, these accusations cast a long shadow over his legacy. His ownership of Harrods is now being scrutinized not just for its commercial success, but also for the toxic environment it allegedly fostered for vulnerable female employees.
As the investigation continues, victims and advocates are calling for a full reckoning of the abuses that allegedly occurred under Al-Fayed's leadership. Harrods’ current management is facing pressure to ensure that justice is served for the victims.
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