:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/macaulay-culkin-122324-1-bf277e01ecab411eb76f54b8e4d30751.jpg?w=30&resize=30,30){kind=small}
5 girls say they had been raped by former Harrods proprietor Mohamed Al Fayed after they labored on the London division retailer, whereas greater than 20 declare they had been sexually assaulted by the late billionaire, the BBC reported.
Al Fayed, a local of Egypt who died final 12 months on the age of 94, took over the luxurious division retailer in 1985 and saved it till 2010. Throughout that span, he preyed on feminine staff he discovered enticing, selling them from gross sales flooring to work in his places of work, the BBC reported, citing former workers.
The assaults would happen in Harrods’ places of work, in Fayed’s London house, or on international journeys — typically in Paris on the Ritz resort, which he additionally owned, or his close by Villa Windsor property, the BBC mentioned.
Al Fayed’s victims and former staff described a pervasive local weather of worry at Harrods, and mentioned his predations had been recognized among the many workers. Somewhat than intervene, Harrods helped cowl up abuse allegations, in line with the BBC.
Harrods, now owned by the Qatar Funding Authority, is “completely appalled by the allegations” in opposition to Al Fayed, it mentioned in a press release. “We additionally acknowledge that in this time as a enterprise we failed our staff who had been his victims and for this we sincerely apologise.”
Harrods mentioned it has been settling historic claims of abuse by Al Fayed within the quickest manner doable, “whereas making certain that such behaviour can by no means be repeated sooner or later.” Not like throughout Al Fayed’s period, girls usually are not being requested to signal non-disclosure agreements by present possession.
Al Fayed is probably finest recognized outdoors Britain due to his son, Dodi, who died in a automobile crash with Diana, Princess of Wales, in 1997.
By Frank Connelly and Jennifer Creery
Harrods Bounces Again After Pandemic Hit as Large Spenders Return to London
Income at Harrods rose nearly tenfold final 12 months as big-spending vacationers returned to London after the pandemic.
