Harrods horror: Ex-boss Mohamed Al Fayed accused of rape, cover-up

By Chronicles Nyakato

Five women have accused the late Mohamed Al Fayed, former owner of Harrods, of raping them during their time working at the luxury London department store.

In a BBC investigation, more than 20 former female employees claimed the billionaire, who died last year at 94, sexually assaulted them, with some accounts detailing rape.

The documentary and podcast Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods uncovered allegations that during Fayed’s tenure, Harrods not only failed to address the abuse but also helped cover up the accusations. One woman said, "He was untouchable. We were silenced because we knew no one would believe us."

In response to the findings, the store's current owners expressed horror. “We are utterly appalled by these allegations,” a spokesperson for Harrods said. "It’s clear that these victims were failed, and for that, we offer our sincere apologies."