I saw Fayed’s ‘abhorrent’ behaviour, says former Harrods boss

An ex-Harrods boss has said he saw “abhorrent” behaviour from the shop’s late owner Mohamed Fayed.

However, James McArthur, chief executive of the high-end department store for what he described as a “most unpleasant 10 months” in 2008, told the BBC he was “not aware” of any sexual abuse.

Five women have alleged they were raped by Fayed, who died last year at the age of 94, with a number of others alleging sexual misconduct.

“While Fayed’s behaviour was often abhorrent in many ways, and professional relationships with him were largely dysfunctional, I was not aware of any sexual abuse by him – if I had been, I would have taken action,” Mr McArthur said in a written statement.

He said he was not aware of a Metropolitan Police investigation into Fayed over the alleged assault of a 15-year-old girl.

“I am absolutely horrified by the details of the allegations bravely brought to light,” he said.

“My heart goes out to Fayed’s victims, and I do hope very much that they will get the justice and closure that they are seeking.”

Earl Spencer, the brother of Diana, Princess of Wales, has said allegations against Fayed are “appalling” and the former Harrods owner never struck him as an “upstanding gent”.

The 60-year-old said that Fayed, whose son Dodi died alongside Diana in the 1997 car crash, “didn’t come across as a particularly savoury person”.

Earl Spencer on Tuesday told Times Radio: “I never met Mohamed Al-Fayed, actually. He was keen to meet after my sister’s death.

“The allegations are appalling and the victims deserve all our sympathy and it sounds as though Harrods is going to do the right thing but I can’t say Mohamed Al-Fayed ever struck me as an upstanding gent so I’m not shocked, no. But I am appalled.”

‘Internal review’

Harrods has said “there is an ongoing internal review” that includes “looking at whether any current staff were involved in any of the allegations either directly or indirectly”.

This came after a former employee told BBC News that a manager, who still works at the store, failed to investigate when she complained about Fayed’s inappropriate behaviour.

Harrods said that its internal review into possible staff involvement is supported by external counsel.

It added: “Harrods Board has established a non-executive committee of the Board to further consider the issues arising from the allegations.

“Harrods is also in direct communication with the Metropolitan Police to ensure we are offering our assistance with any of their relevant inquiries.”

Sources within Harrods have said the business has accepted vicarious liability for the conduct of Fayed for the purpose of settling claims of alleged victims brought to its attention since 2023, reaching settlements with the vast majority.

Harrods added on Monday that its “settlement process was designed in consultation with independent external counsel and experts in personal injury litigation”.

It added: “All claims settled to date and moving forwards will be based on the guidance of these external individuals to ensure swift and impartial outcomes for the victims.”