Lawyers representing the ladies (5 of whom say they had been raped and 16 of whom say they had been allegedly sexually abused by al-Fayed) mentioned the case was much like crimes dedicated by intercourse offenders who had been well-known celebrities, comparable to Jimmy Savile, Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein.
At a press convention in London on Friday following the BBC documentary “Al-Fayed: Predator At Harrods”, attorneys described Al-Fayed, who died final 12 months aged 94, as a “monster” who abused younger girls and ladies who labored on the division retailer throughout his 25-year possession.
“This case combines among the most horrific parts of the instances involving Jimmy Savile, Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein,” mentioned lead lawyer Dean Armstrong. “Savile as a result of on this case, as in that case, the establishment, as an example, was conscious of the conduct.”
“Epstein as a result of in that case, as on this case, there was a sourcing system in place to supply girls and ladies, as you recognize, there are some very younger victims. And Weinstein, as a result of he was an individual on the high of the group who was abusing his energy,” she added.
One of al-Fayed’s alleged victims, named Natacha, advised the press convention that the billionaire businessman was “extremely manipulative” and “preyed on essentially the most susceptible, these of us who needed to pay hire and a few of us who did not have mother and father to guard us.”
In an announcement to the BBC documentary, Harrods’ new homeowners, who purchased Al-Fayed in 2010, mentioned they had been “fully shocked” by the abuse allegations, however added that they solely turned conscious of them final 12 months.
“While we can’t undo the previous, we’re decided to do the correct factor as a corporation, guided by the values we consider in in the present day whereas guaranteeing that such conduct can by no means occur once more sooner or later,” the homeowners mentioned.
However, Armstrong disputed Harrods’s declare that he knew nothing about it, as allegations of sexual assault had been made towards Al-Fayed for many years.
“We are right here to say publicly and to the world, or Harrods to the world, that it’s time for them to take accountability, and it’s time for them to kind issues out, and that’s one thing they need to do as quickly as attainable,” he mentioned.
Also talking was U.S. legal professional Gloria Allred, who has represented victims in among the most high-profile intercourse abuse instances in recent times, together with Epstein, Weinstein and Bill Cosby.
“Harrods is commonly referred to as essentially the most stunning retailer on the earth and many ladies dreamed of working there, of being related to this prestigious firm and of progressing of their careers,” she mentioned. “However, beneath the glitz and glamour of Harrods was a poisonous, harmful and abusive setting.”
Mohamed Al-Fayed, also called Mou Mou, has been repeatedly accused since at the very least 1997 of utilizing his wealth and status to commit sexual harassment, abuse and rape, typically together with minors.
In addition to Harrods, Al-Fayed owned the well-known Ritz luxurious resort in Paris and the Premier League soccer staff Fulham.
