Harrods bosses are facing calls for questioning over their alleged collusion with misconduct by former owner Mohamed Al Fayed, as reported by a former employee of the luxury department store. Following the airing of a BBC documentary which highlighted allegations of rape and sexual misconduct by Al Fayed, a legal team representing the alleged victims disclosed receiving over 150 new enquiries. These enquiries pertain to survivors and individuals with evidence regarding Al Fayed, according to a spokesperson for the team.
The ex-Harrods employee, who preferred to remain anonymous, spoke out on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, accusing certain individuals at the store of being complicit in the misconduct. She described them as “enablers” who actively facilitated the harmful actions of Al Fayed, equating their guilt to that of the perpetrator himself. The former employee recounted her own unsettling encounter with Al Fayed, where he made inappropriate advances towards her, indicating a pattern of behaviour that was allegedly tolerated within the company.
Refuting Harrods’ assertion that the misconduct was solely the actions of one individual, the ex-employee highlighted the collective inaction of multiple individuals and leaders within the organisation. Sources within Harrods revealed that the company has acknowledged vicarious liability for Al Fayed’s conduct regarding settlements with a majority of alleged victims.
Barristers representing the victims raised concerns over Harrods’ involvement in overseeing settlements for the claims, expressing apprehension over a potential conflict of interest. The legal team labelled the case as one of the most severe instances of corporate sexual exploitation ever witnessed, emphasising the need for accountability and justice for the victims. Reports emerged of disturbing practices within Harrods, such as hiding women in cupboards to evade Al Fayed’s attention, underscoring a culture of fear and manipulation.
In response to the revelations, Harrods issued a statement denouncing the alleged abuse and emphasizing their commitment to swiftly resolving the claims brought forward by victims. The store distanced itself from the era when Al Fayed was in control, pledging to address the historical allegations with urgency and sensitivity. As the investigation unfolds, the demand for accountability and transparency within the iconic department store continues to grow, shedding light on the need for systemic change to prevent such abuses from happening again.