A group of barristers representing 37 women has announced their intention to bring a civil case against Harrods, accusing its late owner, Mohamed Al Fayed, of sexual abuse spanning decades.
The women claim they were subjected to various forms of assault while working for Fayed at the luxury department store, with some of the alleged victims as young as 16.
At a press conference held in London on Friday, Dean Armstrong KC, one of the lawyers for the alleged victims, described Fayed as a “monster” and compared his behavior to infamous cases involving Jimmy Savile, Jeffrey Epstein, and Harvey Weinstein. Armstrong claimed that, like in those cases, Harrods was aware of the alleged abuse but failed to act.
The allegations were first made public in a BBC documentary aired on Thursday, where more than 20 women accused Fayed of sexual assault. The reported abuses, including rape and sexual assault, were said to have taken place during Fayed’s tenure as the store’s chairman, between 1985 and 2010, when he sold Harrods.
Armstrong highlighted the seriousness of the claims, saying that Harrods had established a system that enabled the abuse to continue unchecked.
“Our single aim is to seek justice for the survivors of the sexual abuses of Mohamed Al Fayed, who we say was enabled by an unsafe system of work, ” he added.
The legal team also detailed how Fayed allegedly used his power and wealth to manipulate the women, citing instances of forced medical examinations, surveillance, and threats to silence those who tried to speak out. Some of the women said they had been subjected to invasive gynecological exams as a condition of employment, with the results reportedly passed directly to Fayed.
Gloria Allred, a prominent US lawyer known for her work in women’s rights, criticized Harrods for creating a “toxic, unsafe, and abusive environment” during Fayed’s ownership. She noted that the allegations involve “serial rape, attempted rape, sexual battery, and sexual abuse of minors.”
In response, Harrods, which has been under new ownership since 2010, issued a statement expressing shock and dismay at the allegations. The company condemned Fayed’s actions, acknowledging that it had failed its employees and offering a public apology. Harrods stated that it is now a “very different organization” and is committed to ensuring employee welfare.
The legal team has indicated that the case may extend beyond Harrods, as investigations are also ongoing into Fayed’s involvement with other businesses, including the Ritz Hotel in Paris and Fulham Football Club.
Despite previous investigations by London’s Metropolitan Police into allegations against Fayed, no charges were ever brought. However, the police have stated that they remain open to further investigations should new evidence emerge.
The lawyers emphasized that the case is not only about financial compensation but also about holding Harrods accountable for what they describe as “a failure of corporate responsibility.” More women are expected to come forward following the BBC investigation.
“This was not just about Mohamed Al Fayed’s personal actions, but about an institution that allowed this to happen,” Armstrong stated.
With input from the Guardian, France24, and BBC.
