'Abuse of power' | Harrods' ex-owner Al Fayed accused of decades of sexual abuse against staff

Editor's note: This article contains details of sexual abuse claims which some may find distressing

The late Egyptian billionaire, Mohamed Al Fayed, who previously owned Harrods, stands accused of decades of sexual abuse and rape against female staff at the luxury London department store, in addition to threats of consequences if anyone reported his crimes, according to statements made by lawyers representing the alleged victims.

One former employee, who had worked under Al Fayed during his tenure at Harrods in Knightsbridge, described him as "a monster". Harrods has issued a formal apology, following claims from more than 20 women that Al Fayed had sexually abused or raped them. The allegations, spanning a 25-year period, surfaced in a BBC documentary aired last week. Al Fayed passed away last year at the age of 94.

A toxic and unsafe environment

Lawyer Gloria Allred, speaking at a press conference, described the working environment at Harrods as deeply toxic, stating, “Underneath Harrods' glitz and glamour was a toxic, unsafe and abusive environment.” She added that the allegations against Al Fayed include serial rape, attempted rape, sexual battery, and sexual abuse of minors.