Allegations of Rape and Abuse Emerge Against Late Harrods Owner Mohamed Al Fayed

Allegations of sexual assault and rape have surfaced against the late billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed, former owner of Harrods, following a news conference in London. Lawyer Bruce Drummond announced that 37 women, including 6 from the US, came forward with claims against Al Fayed, who passed away in August 2023.

Survivors from Around the World

According to Drummond, the alleged survivors come from different parts of the world, highlighting the global reach of the accusations. Among the group are five women who allege they were raped by Al Fayed. The allegations involve "cover ups, threats and a quarter century of sexual abuse," with lawyers saying some women were as young as 15 and 16 when the incidents occurred.

A Toxic and Abusive Environment

Prominent American women's rights advocate and attorney Gloria Allred is representing the women making the accusations. She stated that many women aspired to work at Harrods due to its prestige, but instead discovered a "toxic, unsafe, and abusive environment" beneath the glitz and glamour.

Harrods Accused of Enabling Abuse

The current owners of Harrods, the Qatari state-owned Qatar Investment Authority, expressed being "utterly appalled" by the allegations against Al Fayed. The company acknowledged failing the women and sincerely apologized. Lawyer Dean Armstrong, representing the accusers, emphasized that the case combines the "most horrific elements" of cases involving Felon and Harvey Weinstein. He described Al Fayed as "a monster enabled by the system."

Systematic Failure of Corporate Responsibility

Armstrong characterized the situation as a "systematic failure of corporate responsibility" and highlighted the magnitude of the alleged abuse. The accusations have drawn parallels to notorious cases of sexual misconduct, shedding light on the severity of the claims against Al Fayed.