Mohamed Al-Fayed, the former owner of Harrods and father of Dodi Fayed, who died in a 1997 car crash alongside Princess Diana, has been accused of multiple rapes, according to a new BBC documentary titled Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods. The allegations involve five women who claim they were raped by the billionaire, who passed away in 2023 at the age of 94. The women allege the assaults occurred while they worked at the luxury department store, which Al-Fayed owned from 1985 to 2010.

The BBC documentary also highlights testimony from more than 20 former female employees who accuse Al-Fayed of sexual assault, with the incidents reportedly taking place in several locations, including London, St. Tropez, Abu Dhabi, and Paris. The claims suggest that during Al-Fayed's ownership, Harrods not only failed to address the abuse but also actively covered it up.

In response to the documentary, Harrods’ current owners released a statement expressing their shock and dismay at the allegations, offering an apology to the victims for the store’s failure to protect them.

According to the BBC, one woman recalled being raped in Al-Fayed's London apartment, while another stated that she was assaulted as a teenager. Several former assistants to Al-Fayed also described repeated attempts at sexual violence, including one woman who claimed she was assaulted at the billionaire's Villa Windsor residence in Paris. Some victims were reportedly pressured to sign non-disclosure agreements and destroy evidence in exchange for financial settlements.

Tony Leeming, a former manager at Harrods, acknowledged the toxic environment and noted the store's culture of fear, though he claimed he was unaware of the full extent of the abuse. Other former Harrods employees, including members of Al-Fayed's security team, corroborated the reports of his predatory behavior, particularly towards young women.

Many of the women who worked directly for Al-Fayed were subjected to invasive medical examinations, including sexual health tests. The BBC also reported that before his death, Al-Fayed had faced several sexual assault allegations, with civil claims brought against Harrods by 14 women. The store's current owners began settling these claims in 2023.

Al-Fayed, who was born in Egypt, became a prominent figure in the UK after acquiring Harrods in 1985. His family’s connection to Princess Diana through his son Dodi, who was killed in the same car crash, continues to capture public attention, particularly with his portrayal in recent seasons of the Netflix series The Crown.