Egyptian businessman Mohamed Al Fayed, whose son Dodi died with Princess Diana in a 1997 car accident in Paris, faces multiple allegations of rape from several women.
A BBC documentary titled "Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods," released on September 19, reveals that over 20 women have accused him of rape, attempted rape, sexual assault, and violence against women. Most of the accusers are former employees of Harrods, the luxury department store Al Fayed owned for 26 years. They worked there from the late 1980s to the 2000s, with incidents reportedly occurring in both London and Paris, where Al Fayed owned the Ritz hotel and a historic villa previously belonging to Edward VII.
Al Fayed passed away last year at 94. The documentary highlights a 2015 police investigation into a rape allegation that did not lead to charges. One woman claimed she reported to the police in 2018 but was informed that Al Fayed, suffering from dementia, was too old to be prosecuted.
Thirteen women alleged they were sexually assaulted at an apartment in Park Lane, where Al Fayed offered late-working female employees a place to stay; four reported being raped. Additionally, nine women stated they were sexually assaulted in Paris, with five alleging attempted rape and one claiming rape.
The documentary features testimonies from colleagues, including a senior Harrods manager who noted that Al Fayed's behavior was "known throughout the entire company." The BBC reported that Harrods not only failed to intervene but also "helped cover up allegations of sexual abuse." In July 2023, Harrods began settling claims with some of the accusers, and several women are now preparing legal actions against the store.
In response to the allegations, Harrods issued a statement expressing being "utterly appalled" by Al Fayed's actions, condemning them "in the strongest possible terms," and acknowledging their failure to protect employees during that period.