Lawyers Demand Harrods' Accountability in Fayed Assault Scandal

Attorneys representing alleged victims of Mohamed Fayed are demanding that Harrods, the iconic London department store, assume responsibility for a series of sexual assaults reportedly committed by its former owner. The case has drawn comparisons to other high-profile scandals, combining elements reminiscent of the Jimmy Savile, Jeffrey Epstein, and Harvey Weinstein cases.

Barrister Dean Armstrong KC, representing some of the reported victims, stated at a press conference on September 20, 2024, "I have never encountered a case as horrific as this in my many years of practice." The allegations against Fayed, who passed away approximately one year ago at the age of 94, involve over 20 women claiming sexual assault, with five alleging rape.

The reported incidents span from the late 1980s to the 2000s, during Fayed's ownership of Harrods. The store, founded in 1849, has been a symbol of luxury retail in London for over 170 years. Under Fayed's ownership from 1985 to 2010, it expanded to over one million square feet of selling space across seven floors.

According to the allegations, assaults occurred in various locations, including company offices, Fayed's London apartment, and during foreign trips, often at the Ritz hotel in Paris. It is alleged that Fayed would tour the store's sales floors to identify young female assistants he found attractive before isolating and attacking them.

"Underneath the Harrods glitz and glamour was a toxic, unsafe and abusive environment."

The lawyers argue that Harrods not only failed to intervene but also assisted in covering up allegations against Fayed. This claim is particularly troubling given Harrods' status as a major employer, with approximately 5,000 staff from over 50 countries.

Bruce Drummond, another barrister involved in the case, described it as "one of the worst cases of corporate sexual exploitation" he has ever encountered. The impact on the alleged victims has been severe, with some reportedly requiring psychiatric care.

The legal team is working on behalf of 37 alleged victims, urging Harrods to ensure proper compensation. They emphasize the store's responsibility to provide a safe working environment, which they claim was severely compromised under Fayed's leadership.

Harrods, known for its world-famous food halls opened in 1902 and its iconic green bags introduced in 1970, has responded to the allegations. A spokesperson stated that since new information came to light in 2023, their priority has been to settle claims quickly. They added, "While we cannot undo the past, we have been determined to do the right thing as an organisation."

As this case unfolds, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of corporate responsibility and the need for robust systems to protect employees from abuse, regardless of an organization's prestige or history.