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Greater than 20 girls have accused former Harrods proprietor Mohammad Al Fayed of sexual assault, together with 5 who say they have been raped.
The ex-employees, all feminine, mentioned the Egyptian billionaire had assaulted them whereas working on the world-famous London division retailer.
After the allegations have been revealed, one other lady got here ahead to accuse him of “sickening” sexual abuse.
Legal professionals and survivors concerned within the case will maintain a press convention on Friday in regards to the allegations, which have been first revealed in BBC documentary Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods.
Fayed, who’s accused of abusing girls in London, Paris, St Tropez and Abu Dhabi, died final 12 months aged 94.
One lady, who was simply a young person when she was allegedly raped by Fayed, described him as a “monster, a sexual predator with no ethical compass in any way”, who seen employees at Harrods as his “playthings”.
Harrods mentioned it was “completely appalled” by the allegations and mentioned they have been the actions of “somebody intent on abusing his energy wherever he operated”.
Rape Disaster affords help for these affected by rape and sexual abuse. You may name them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Eire, or go to their web site at www.rapecrisis.org.uk. In case you are within the US, you’ll be able to name Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673).
‘I’ve by no means seen a case as horrific as this,’ lawyer says
The press convention is now underneath method.
Dean Armstrong KC has mentioned that, in “a few years of practise”, he has “by no means seen a case as horrific as this”.
He mentioned it “combines among the most horrific parts of case involving Jimmy Saville, Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein”.
“Saville as a result of the establishment knew in regards to the behaviour, Epstein as a result of there was a procurement system in palace to supply the ladies and ladies for abuse, Weinstein as a result of it was an individual on the very prime who was abusing his energy,” he mentioned.
Andy Gregory20 September 2024 10:23
Harrods says it’s ‘completely appalled’ by allegations of abuse by late proprietor
Following the brand new allegation, Harrods’ present homeowners mentioned they stood by a press release issued on Thursday which mentioned they have been “completely appalled” by the allegations of abuse.
It mentioned Fayed was “intent on abusing his energy wherever he operated” and accepted it had “failed” workers in its lack of response.
The division retailer has additionally arrange a web page on its web site inviting former workers to come back ahead if they’ve any allegations.
Andy Gregory20 September 2024 09:54
Authorized workforce concerned in Al Fayed probe to carry press convention
At a press convention attributable to begin at 10am, a authorized workforce concerned within the investigation towards Mohammad Al Fayed is predicted to share extra particulars a few declare towards the posh division retailer for allegedly failing to supply a protected system of labor for its workers.
After the publication of the investigation on Thursday, a girl who the BBC is asking Melanie got here ahead to say she had been subjected to a “sickening” sexual assault by the Egyptian billionaire.
Andy Gregory20 September 2024 09:53
New intercourse assault declare towards Mohamed Al Fayed
A brand new intercourse assault declare has been made towards Mohamed Al Fayed after an investigation into the late Harrods proprietor was revealed.
The lady believes police practically arrested him over her allegations simply days earlier than he died in August 2023, she informed the BBC.
Greater than 20 feminine former workers have spoken to the broadcaster as a part of a particular investigation, coming ahead with allegations of assault and bodily violence, with incidents mentioned to have occurred in London, Paris, St Tropez and Abu Dhabi.
5 girls alleged that they had been raped by Fayed, who died final 12 months on the age of 94. The BBC alleged Harrods not solely did not intervene however helped cowl up the allegations of abuse.
You may learn extra on this report:
Andy Gregory20 September 2024 09:52
We’ll be utilizing this weblog to convey you the most recent updates because the authorized workforce concerned within the investigation into claims of rape by late Harrods proprietor Mohammad Al Fayed maintain a press convention.
Andy Gregory20 September 2024 09:51