Harrods is undergoing an internal review to determine whether any of its current staff was “directly or indirectly” involved in any of the sexual abuse allegations against former owner Mohamed Al Fayed.
Harrods is investigating the involvement of current staff in allegations of sexual abuse against its former owner after victims called for key staff and associates of Al Fayed to reveal what they knew, The Guardian reported.
In a statement seen by the publication, Harrods said: “As part of our due diligence there is an ongoing internal review (supported by external counsel) including looking at whether any current staff were involved in any of the allegations either directly or indirectly.
“In addition, the 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.”
This comes after more than 100 women accused Al Fayed of sexual abuse during his time as the owner of the luxury department store.
Harrods said it was attempting to directly liaise with victims to “settle claims in the quickest way possible” on Friday.
However, there are concerns about this being a conflict of interest for Harrods as its current managing director, Michael Ward, was appointed by Al Fayed in 2005.
Bruce Drummond, a barrister at the New Bailey chambers acting for the Justice for Harrods Survivors group, told The Guardian: “Michael Ward should be clear on what he knew when and should have nothing to do with liaising with victims today.
“It’s a complete conflict of interest for Harrods to say they have an internal process in place to deal with this scandal. They have known for years about the systematic abuse that took place and only chose to half-heartedly act when they knew the accusations were going to be made public.
“Harrods cannot be marking their own homework. They are trying to whitewash this whole process. If they are serious about righting the wrongs of the past they should provide the survivors with independent counsel.”
Ward joined Harrods in 2005 after being managing director of Lloyds Chemists and in an interview in 2020 said he had spent “many happy years with Mohamed”, adding that he “saw my ability to create wealth for him”.
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