Legal Team Accuses Mohamed Al Fayed of Sexual Abuse
In a shocking revelation, lawyers representing dozens of survivors have compared former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed to notorious figures such as Jimmy Savile, Jeffrey Epstein, and Harvey Weinstein. The legal team, comprising barristers acting for 37 women, announced their intention to bring a civil case against Harrods, alleging that a system was put in place to protect Fayed during his decades of abuse.
Dean Armstrong KC, one of the barristers, did not mince words when he described Fayed as a “monster” and stated that he had never seen a case as horrific as this. Drawing parallels to the cases of Savile, Epstein, and Weinstein, Armstrong highlighted the similarities in the behavior of these men and the institutional knowledge of their actions.
Allegations of Sexual Assault at Harrods
The survivors’ planned civil case against Harrods comes on the heels of allegations of sexual assault against Fayed that were aired in a BBC documentary. According to the investigation, Fayed was accused of raping five women and sexually abusing at least 15 others during their employment at the luxury department store. More than 20 women came forward with claims of sexual assault, alleging that Harrods had covered up the abuse.
Armstrong emphasized that the survivors’ primary goal was to seek justice for the sexual abuses they endured at the hands of Fayed. He asserted that Harrods had established and maintained an unsafe system of work that facilitated the widespread sexual abuse of the survivors represented by the legal team.
Harrods Denounced as a Toxic Environment
Renowned US lawyer Gloria Allred echoed Armstrong’s sentiments, branding Harrods as a “toxic, unsafe, and abusive environment” under Fayed’s leadership. The allegations leveled against Fayed included serial rape, attempted rape, sexual battery, and sexual abuse of minors. Allred noted that doctors at Harrods administered invasive gynecological exams as a condition of employment, with the results being reported to Fayed for his use in controlling and manipulating the employees.
The toxic environment at Harrods, as described by the legal team, led to an abject failure of corporate responsibility. Maria Mulla, another barrister representing the survivors, revealed that the offices at Harrods were under video surveillance, and phone lines were bugged, except for Fayed’s office. The survivors, some as young as 16, were subjected to constant surveillance and intrusion into their personal lives by Fayed’s security personnel.
Long-Term Effects of the Abuse
Bruce Drummond, another barrister, highlighted the lasting impact of the abuse on the survivors, noting that the effects had lasted for years, and in some cases, decades. Some survivors had to seek psychiatric care, while others struggled to form healthy intimate relationships with men due to the trauma they had endured. The ongoing nightmares, depression, and anxiety experienced by the survivors underscored the severity of the abuse they had suffered.
Despite previous accusations of sexual assault against Fayed, a police investigation had not resulted in any charges being filed. Harrods issued a statement condemning Fayed’s actions and acknowledging their failure to protect their employees during his tenure as chairman. The current management of Harrods emphasized their commitment to prioritizing the welfare of their employees and ensuring a safe work environment.
The legal team also represents women who were employed by the Paris Ritz, and investigations are underway into all entities where Fayed had involvement, including Fulham Football Club. The club expressed deep concern about the case and stated their intention to determine if any individuals associated with the club had been affected.
In conclusion, the allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed paint a disturbing picture of unchecked abuse and exploitation in a high-profile corporate setting. The survivors’ quest for justice and accountability serves as a stark reminder of the pervasive nature of sexual misconduct and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
