Mohamed Al-Fayed, Late Dad of Princess Diana’s Ex, Accused of Rape

Mohamed Al-Fayed, Late Dad of Princess Diana's Ex, Accused of Rape

As a survivor and advocate for women’s rights, I find the accounts of Mohamed Al-Fayed‘s alleged sexual misconduct deeply disturbing and heartbreaking. Having lived through similar experiences myself, it is all too familiar to see powerful men using their positions to prey on vulnerable women.


Content warning: This story discusses rape and sexual assault.

Five women have come forward and accused Mohamed Al-Fayed of rape. 

The previous owner of Harrods, who was also the father of Dodi Fayed, a former boyfriend of the late Princess Diana and tragically lost his life in her 1997 car accident, has been implicated in sexual assault allegations by over 20 former employees. Among these women, five claim their encounters with him amounted to rape, as reported by over twenty anonymous sources speaking to the BBC.

A woman speaking anonymously to the BBC claimed that Mohamed Al-Fayed exhibited monstrous behavior and was a sexual predator with no sense of morality. She alleged that he had raped her when she was a teenager, and further stated that female employees at Harrods were viewed as his personal possessions or playthings.

She mentioned, “Everyone was incredibly frightened because he deliberately instilled fear. Employees would eagerly comply if he merely suggested ‘jump’.

After learning about the accusations against Fayed (who passed away in 2023 at the age of 94), the present proprietors of the high-end department store expressed their apologies to the BBC, stating that they were deeply shocked and disturbed by these allegations.

Women who spoke with the BBC alleged that the incidents happened in various locations such as the offices of Harrods, Mohamed Al-Fayed’s apartment in London, his Villa Windsor estate, and even on foreign trips, frequently at the Ritz hotel in Paris, a property he owned.

Previous employees, both males and females, informed the BBC that it was “quite evident” as the previous owner of Harrods often singled out “young female shop assistants” for promotion to work in his private office.

A past department manager, Tony Leeming, who served in that role from 1994 to 2004, strongly stated, “If I had known, everyone else likely knew too. Those who claim ignorance are not telling the truth, I regret to say.

Mohamed Al-Fayed, Late Dad of Princess Diana's Ex, Accused of Rape

Meanwhile, another employee given the pseudonym of Alice detailed the frightening day-to-day. 

She explained that as we all observed someone enter the door, a thought seemed to cross everyone’s mind: ‘Oh, it’s you today, poor thing.’ But none of us had the ability to prevent it.

As an ardent admirer, I can’t help but share this intriguing insight: Women who spoke out mentioned that Fayed’s assaultive behavior intensified during company trips. One woman recounted a chilling experience of waking up suddenly, startled to find Faye standing near her, clad only in a silky dressing gown.

She went on to describe him raping her, after which she cried and he told her to “aggressively” wash herself with the antiseptic disinfectant Dettol. 

According to BBC reports, numerous women who were advanced in their roles and found themselves working closely with Fayed claimed they underwent “intrusive” sexual health examinations. Despite these tests being billed as a benefit, many of the women were not provided with the results, although they were sent to Fayed instead.

Katherine, who was an executive assistant back in 2005, expressed that it’s unnecessary for others to know about her sexual health unless she is considering a romantic encounter. She finds this point particularly unsettling now.

As a devoted admirer putting this into my own words, I’d say something like: “Speaking out personally, I wholeheartedly criticize the reported actions of the individual who seemed to be misusing their authority at Harrods. It’s simply unacceptable.

Harrods as it stands now is significantly different from the company under Al Fayed’s ownership and management between 1985 and 2010, the text stated. Today, Harrods focuses on prioritizing employee well-being above all else.

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2024-09-20 00:47