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Sixty women have accused late Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed of sexual abuse, following a BBC documentary. Allegations include rape and misconduct during his ownership, with claims of a toxic culture at Harrods. Lawyers call for an independent investigation into these allegations spanning multiple properties linked to Al-Fayed.

Sixty women have come forward with allegations of sexual abuse against Mohamed Al-Fayed, the former owner of Harrods, as reported by their lawyers. Following a recent BBC documentary, these women have accused the late Egyptian billionaire, who passed away last year, of rape and sexual misconduct during his tenure at the luxury department store.

The legal representatives confirmed the growing number of claimants and noted that they are receiving inquiries from potential victims globally. They have gathered credible evidence of abuse not only at Harrods but also at other properties linked to Al-Fayed, including Fulham Football Club.

Previous allegations against Al-Fayed include accusations of sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl in 2008 and a rape claim in 2013, both of which the Crown Prosecution Service reviewed but did not pursue due to a lack of evidence for a conviction. The lawyers are advocating for an independent investigation into these claims, highlighting the failure of Harrods to protect victims.

Michael Ward, Harrods’ Managing Director, acknowledged the existence of a "toxic culture" under Al-Fayed’s leadership but claimed he was unaware of any criminal activities. The alleged abuses occurred in Al-Fayed’s London apartments and the Ritz hotel in Paris, with reports indicating that women underwent invasive examinations as part of a selection process for close positions with him. Many victims stated they faced threats and retaliation when attempting to report their experiences.