'Deeply sorry' | Harrods MD admits 'we failed our colleagues' amid Al Fayed scandal

The managing director of Harrods admitted the business ‘failed colleagues’ as sexual abuse allegations against former owner Mohamed Al Fayed continue.

Michael Ward, MD of the London department store, issued a statement this week  acknowledging the company’s failure to protect its staff from sexual abuse under Al Fayed’s ownership. 

His comments came in the wake of mounting claims of horrific acts from the ex-owner. The late Egyptian billionaire, who died last year aged 94, 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.