Opinion | Al-Fayed should not have been able to get away with what he did
1 min read

Opinion | Al-Fayed should not have been able to get away with what he did

Boasting a dazzling array of luxury goods and celebrity clients, Harrods is arguably the world’s most famous and beloved tourist attraction in London.

But for many young women who worked for the company when it was owned by Egyptian billionaire Mohammed al-Fayed from 1985 to 2010, it was a “living nightmare.”

The BBC documentary revealed chilling allegations from more than 20 women of sexual abuse, including rape and attempted rape, by Fayed over many years. Since the broadcast, more people have come forward – 60 lawyers supporting victims. Many remained silent, fearing retaliation from this wealthy, well-connected and influential man with ties to the royal family. Some people dared to speak out after his death last year at the age of 94.

The scale, duration and severity of Fayed’s abuse are beyond belief. It shouldn’t be possible for him to get away with this. But he did it.

A disturbing picture emerges from the shocking accounts of his victims at Harrods. Fayed would tour the sales floors and identify young women he liked and hire them in his office.