Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

5 minutes read. Updated 11:55PM GMT Fri, 20 September, 2024

Lawyers representing numerous women who claim they were raped and sexually abused by Mohamed Al Fayed, the late Egyptian businessman and former owner of the iconic Harrods department store, have drawn shocking parallels between his alleged crimes and those of notorious figures such as Jimmy Savile, Jeffrey Epstein, and Harvey Weinstein. At a press conference in London, following the release of the BBC documentary “Al-Fayed: Predator At Harrods,” the legal team characterized the businessman as a “monster” who exploited his position of power to prey on young women and girls during his 25-year reign at the luxury store.

Lead lawyer Dean Armstrong stated, “This case combines some of the most horrific elements seen in the Savile, Epstein, and Weinstein cases. Like Savile, the institution knew about the behavior but chose to ignore it. Like Epstein, there was a system in place to procure vulnerable women and young girls. And like Weinstein, Al Fayed was at the very top, abusing his position to commit these atrocities.”

One of the survivors, who chose to be identified as Natacha, shared her harrowing experience, recounting how the billionaire used his influence to manipulate and exploit those in desperate situations. “He preyed on the most vulnerable, those of us who needed to pay rent, and some of us who didn’t have parents to protect us,” she said. Her testimony paints a grim picture of Al Fayed’s alleged predatory behavior, which reportedly extended throughout his ownership of Harrods.

The new owners of Harrods, who purchased the store from Al Fayed in 2010, expressed their shock and disgust at the allegations. In a statement provided for the BBC documentary, they said, “We are utterly appalled by the accusations. Although these allegations only came to our attention last year, we are committed to doing the right thing, ensuring such behavior never occurs again in our organization.”

However, Armstrong was critical of Harrods’ response, questioning how the company could claim ignorance of allegations that have been swirling for decades. “Harrods must take responsibility,” he demanded. “They owe it to the victims to set things right as soon as possible.”

U.S. lawyer Gloria Allred, a prominent advocate for victims of sexual abuse, including those in the Epstein and Weinstein cases, also spoke at the event, condemning the toxic work environment at Harrods. “Harrods is seen as the most beautiful store in the world,” Allred said. “Many women dreamed of working there, associating themselves with this prestigious name, only to find themselves in a dangerous, abusive environment hidden behind the store’s glamorous facade.”

The BBC documentary has reignited public outrage, with calls for accountability from both Harrods and any other institutions that might have turned a blind eye to Al Fayed’s alleged abuse. As the case develops, the focus remains on justice for the survivors and a reassessment of the culture that allowed such behavior to persist.

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  • Mohamed Al Fayed sexual abuse
  • Harrods workplace harassment
  • BBC documentary Al-Fayed Predator At Harrods
  • Gloria Allred sexual abuse cases

Meta Description:
Lawyers accuse former Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed of sexual abuse, comparing his actions to those of Savile, Epstein, and Weinstein. The BBC documentary “Al-Fayed: Predator At Harrods” reveals the dark side of the luxury store’s former owner.