Accused of sexual violence | Harrods chief executive denounces ‘toxic culture’ during Al-Fayed era

(London) The former owner of the Harrods department store, Mohamed Al-Fayed, who died in 2023 and was accused by dozens of women of rape and sexual assault, had established “a toxic culture” within the company, its chief executive said in a statement on Thursday.

Mohamed Al-Fayed “ran the business as his own personal fiefdom. It is now clear that he created a toxic culture of secrecy, intimidation, fear of reprisal and sexual misconduct,” said Michael Ward, who worked for the Egyptian businessman between 2006 and 2010, when the famous store changed hands.

“I think it is important to clarify that I was not aware” of the facts he is accused of, he justified himself.

“While it is true that rumours about his behaviour have circulated in the public domain, no accusations or allegations have ever been presented to me by the police, the prosecution or internal channels… If that had been the case, I would of course have acted immediately,” he added.

Dozens of women have accused Mohamed Al-Fayed, who died in August 2023 at the age of 94, of rape and sexual assault. At least five of them say they were raped by this man, who was the father of Princess Diana’s last companion, Dodi, who died with her in a car accident in Paris on August 31, 1997.

Lawyers for the victims said a few days ago that they had received “more than 150 new requests” for information from accusers and people with evidence against the former owner of Harrods.

“We failed our colleagues and we are deeply sorry,” Mr Ward said, calling the alleged incident “horrifying”. “This is a shameful period in the company’s history, but the Harrods of today is unrecognisable from the Harrods it was.” [Mohamed Al-Fayed] possessed,” he assured.

The current management of the prestigious store, which came under Qatari control in 2010, has reached amicable agreements with some of the accusers who have come forward since 2023.

These agreements were “designed in consultation with external and independent experts,” Mr. Ward said. “We encourage our former colleagues to contact us as part of this process,” he added.

An “independent” study by a committee of the board of directors is “currently underway,” the CEO said. “I will not influence its operation or recommendations in any way,” he said.