Gemma, Lindsay, and Jen, who are among the hundreds of women accusing the late Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed of sexual assault, expressed their 'huge anger' during a press conference in London on October 31, 2024. They shared their stories with AFP, highlighting the alleged campaign of abuse and humiliation that went unpunished.
'It looked like the dream job,' said Jen, who joined Harrods at 16, a store known for its glamour. However, the prestige came with a heavy price. Legal representatives disclosed that over 400 women and witnesses linked to Harrods, Fulham football club, the Ritz hotel in Paris, and other Fayed entities have come forward in the past six weeks, accusing him of rape or assault.
Jen worked at Harrods from 1986 to 1991, while Cheska Hill-Wood began working for Fayed in 1994 at the age of 19. Cheska, an art student, believes Fayed's team spotted her photo in a magazine before she was contacted by Harrods. After being hired, both women were subjected to gynaecological examinations by a Harrods doctor, who allegedly checked to ensure they were 'clean' and virgins.
During her five years at Harrods, Jen endured multiple sexual assaults and attempted rape in Fayed's office and residence. Harrods has been contacted by over 250 people seeking out-of-court settlements, while London police have received accusations from 60 individuals dating back to 1979.
Jen and Cheska, like many other accusers, spoke of phones being tapped and cameras in offices. Jen, who kept her last name confidential, revealed her experience to her husband and parents only after the BBC documentary 'Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods' aired in September. Cheska, an aspiring actress, was assaulted by Fayed during an audition for a film about Peter Pan.
Both women expressed their anger over Fayed's unpunished actions. Cheska hopes that those who facilitated his 'dirty work' will face justice.
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