In a shocking turn of events, 37 women have come forward with serious allegations against Mohamed Al-Fayed, the late Egyptian billionaire who was once a towering figure in British society. Accused of rape and sexual assault, Al-Fayed, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 94, is now being described by lawyers as a “monster” and “sexual predator.” These revelations have sent shockwaves through the business, sports, and political worlds, staining the legacy of a man who once owned Harrods, Fulham Football Club, and the Ritz Hotel in Paris.
The accusations, which span decades, have surfaced after the airing of a BBC documentary that featured testimony from over 20 women. The broadcast has ignited more allegations, with both the Metropolitan Police and additional survivors coming forward. Lawyers representing the women have described the scale of sexual exploitation as staggering, one of the worst cases they have ever handled.
At the heart of these accusations is Harrods, the luxury London department store Al-Fayed owned until 2010. Harrods, once synonymous with opulence and glamour, has now been linked to horrific accounts of abuse. According to the victims, Al-Fayed used his power and position to manipulate and assault female employees, leaving behind a trail of trauma and shattered lives. One former Harrods employee described how Al-Fayed physically assaulted her, detailing an intrusive and non-consensual medical examination she was subjected to afterwards. "I was checked for my purity," she revealed, further deepening the disturbing nature of the abuse.
Al-Fayed's alleged behavior was reportedly not a secret among his closest associates. Former senior security officers have also been named as enforcers who threatened and intimidated victims into silence. These enablers helped to sustain a culture of fear at Harrods, where young women were easy targets for Al-Fayed’s predatory behavior.
In addition to the disturbing claims surrounding Harrods, Fulham Football Club, which Al-Fayed owned for 16 years, has also come under scrutiny. Gaute Haugenes, a former manager of Fulham's women’s team, revealed that special precautions were taken to protect female players from Al-Fayed. It was well known that the billionaire had a penchant for “young, blonde girls,” Haugenes said, leading staff to ensure that female players were never left alone with him.
Although Fulham FC has stated that they are not aware of any female players being directly assaulted, the club expressed deep concern over the new allegations and urged anyone affected to come forward. Al-Fayed’s reign over Fulham is now being viewed under a darker light, casting a shadow over the club’s history during his ownership.
One of the most painful aspects of this story is that many of the women who came forward were denied justice in their lifetimes. Allegations against Al-Fayed had been raised before, including a police investigation in 2008 regarding a 15-year-old girl. However, the Crown Prosecution Service ultimately dropped the case, citing a lack of evidence. Since Al-Fayed’s death, more women have spoken out, but the man at the center of these accusations is no longer alive to face criminal charges.
Lawyers for the victims are determined to continue their fight. Gloria Allred, a prominent American attorney who has represented numerous survivors of high-profile abuse cases, described Al-Fayed as a “monster” who manipulated vulnerable women. “These victims have suffered for years, even decades,” Allred said during a press conference. “But they are determined to get the justice they deserve, even if it comes posthumously.” There are still questions about whether Al-Fayed acted alone. Some of the victims have claimed that his abuses were facilitated by others within his business empire. As investigations continue, lawyers are calling for accountability from anyone who may have helped to cover up or enable Al-Fayed’s actions.
In response to the unfolding scandal, the current owners of Harrods have expressed outrage at the allegations and have launched a settlement process for the victims. "We are utterly appalled," they stated, emphasizing their commitment to addressing the horrific abuses alleged to have taken place under Al-Fayed’s ownership.
Fulham Football Club has also issued a statement, expressing their “deep concern” over the disturbing reports. They are working to establish whether any staff or players were affected during Al-Fayed’s ownership and have encouraged anyone with information to come forward.
Mohamed Al-Fayed was once seen as a charismatic, if controversial, figure in the UK, known for his lavish lifestyle and high-profile connections. His son, Dodi, famously died alongside Princess Diana in a tragic car crash in Paris in 1997. For years, Al-Fayed fought legal battles and conspiracies surrounding the accident, casting himself as a figure seeking justice for his son. Now, it is his own legacy that faces dissection, with these allegations revealing a far more sinister side to his life.
As more survivors step forward, the story of Mohamed Al-Fayed shifts from one of wealth, power, and tragedy to one of unchecked abuse and systematic exploitation. The bravery of these 37 women in breaking their silence may finally bring the closure they have long sought, shining a light on the darker chapters of Al-Fayed’s storied life.
What remains is the question: how many more victims are out there, and who will be held accountable for the decades of silence? The world watches as the investigation deepens and Al-Fayed’s empire crumbles under the weight of these explosive revelations.