Numerous Additional Women Accuse Mohamed Al Fayed of Misconduct, as Perceived by BBC
The accusations can be traced back as far as 1977, in Dubai – around eight years before Al Fayed acquired the prestigious London department store Harrods, increasing his recognition in the UK.
Numerous women contacted the BBC with fresh tales of mistreatment, with 37 claiming they worked at Harrods.
As part of the BBC investigation released recently, over 20 ex-Harrods employees had previously accused Al Fayed, who passed away last year at 94, of sexually assaulting them. One claimed she was assaulted at the age of 15 when Al Fayed was 79.
Harrods admitted that Al Fayed aimed to misuse his power wherever he was present and expressed remorse to the victims in a statement. "We are deeply dismayed by the allegations of abuse inflicted by Mohamed Al Fayed," the company stated.
The latest accusations cover a broad spectrum of abuse methods, including several women who claimed they were hired under false pretenses to work at Al Fayed's private residences as nannies, chefs, and maids, only to be sexually exploited later.
One woman told the BBC, regarding her employment at Al Fayed's mansion in Surrey, England, "The job didn't actually exist. He didn't need a nanny. He didn't want a nanny." She alleged that she was held captive against her will and sexually assaulted numerous times over several days.
In its statement last month, Harrods revealed that "new information regarding historic allegations of sexual abuse by Al Fayed" surfaced last year. Since then, the company has been prioritizing the settlement of claims, aiming to avoid lengthy legal proceedings for the women involved. "This process is still available for any current or former Harrods employees," Harrods stated.
Harrods informed the BBC that "over 200+ individuals are currently going through the Harrods process to settle claims directly with the business" following the broadcast of the documentary.
CNN has reached out to Harrods for comment.
The BBC investigation uncovered allegations of sexual misconduct against Al Fayed in the UK, specifically at his private residences in the UK, such as his mansion in Surrey.
Despite Al Fayed's significant influence in the world, particularly his ownership of Harrods in London, these accusations have tarnished his reputation globally, including in his home country, the UK.
