Allegations link Mohamed Al Fayed to decades of abuse at Harrods, with comparisons to notorious offenders Epstein and Weinstein.
Dozens of women have come forward accusing the late Mohamed Al Fayed, former owner of the iconic London department store Harrods, of sexual abuse. Many of the alleged victims were young women or girls at the time, and their lawyers described the abuse as “horrific.”
At a press briefing following the release of the BBC documentary “Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods,” the women’s legal team likened Al Fayed’s alleged crimes to those of notorious offenders Jimmy Savile, Jeffrey Epstein, and Harvey Weinstein. Dean Armstrong, the lead lawyer, stated that the case involved a “procurement system” to target vulnerable victims, many of whom were working at Harrods during Al Fayed’s 25-year ownership of the store.
Armstrong highlighted the gravity of the accusations, saying, “This case combines the worst elements of cases like Savile, Epstein, and Weinstein—where an institution allegedly knew, and a powerful figure abused that position.”
One of the accusers, known only as Natacha, described Al Fayed as “highly manipulative” and said he preyed on those “most vulnerable,” including women in need of money or without family protection.
Harrods, which was sold by Al Fayed in 2010, responded to the documentary by expressing shock over the allegations, stating that they were only made aware of them last year. The new owners stressed that they are committed to ensuring such behavior never occurs again.
However, Armstrong questioned Harrods’ stance, noting that allegations had been circulating for decades. He called on the department store to take responsibility and “set matters right.”
U.S. lawyer Gloria Allred, who has represented victims in high-profile sexual abuse cases, also spoke, describing Harrods as a place where dreams were shattered for many women working in what they thought was a prestigious and safe environment.
Join our Channel...