The current managing director of Harrods has apologised and said the business “failed our colleagues” following sexual misconduct allegations about former owner Mohamed Al Fayed.
Michael Ward said in a statement that it is clear Mr Al Fayed “presided over a toxic culture of secrecy, intimidation, fear of repercussion and sexual misconduct”.
Mr Ward, who worked for Mr Al Fayed for four years, said he was “not aware of his criminality and abuse” and described it as a “shameful period in the business’ history”.
His statement comes as another alleged victim told the BBC she was summoned to the billionaire businessman’s apartment where “he became angry, the doors were locked and I couldn’t get out. He raped me”.
Five women claim they were raped by Mr Al Fayed, who died last year at the age of 94, with a number of others alleging sexual misconduct.
Mr Ward said an independent review was underway into issues arising from the allegations and that he had “provided all the information I have to ensure my own conduct can be reviewed alongside that of my colleagues”.
In his statement, Mr Ward said: “As we have already stated, we failed our colleagues and for that we are deeply sorry.
“As someone who has worked at Harrods since 2006, and therefore worked for Fayed until the change of ownership in 2010, I feel it is important to make it clear that I was not aware of his criminality and abuse.
“While it is true that rumours of his behaviour circulated in the public domain, no charges or allegations were ever put to me by the police, the CPS, internal channels or others.
“Had they been, I would, of course, have acted immediately.”
Mr Ward continued: “Fayed, who owned Harrods from 1985–2010, operated this business as his own personal fiefdom.
“It is now clear that he presided over a toxic culture of secrecy, intimidation, fear of repercussion and sexual misconduct.
“The picture that is now emerging suggests that he did this wherever he operated.
“This was a shameful period in the business’s history, however, the Harrods of today is unrecognisable to Harrods under his ownership.
“As detailed new information has come to light over the past 18 months, the business has established a settlement process, designed in consultation with independent, external experts in personal injury litigation.
“We encourage former colleagues to contact us using this process so that we can provide the support, and recourse, they need.”
Sources within Harrods have said the business has accepted vicarious liability for the conduct of Mr Al Fayed for the purpose of settling claims of alleged victims brought to its attention since 2023, reaching settlements with the vast majority.
Mr Ward said he would “in no way influence” an independent review into the allegations.
He said: “Alongside this there is an independent review led by a non-executive committee of the board to further consider the issues arising from the allegations.
“I am not part of the committee conducting this review and will in no way influence its operation or recommendations.
“However, I have provided all the information I have to ensure my own conduct can be reviewed alongside that of my colleagues.
“I have also stepped back from my charity trustee positions while this review is taking place.”
Some women have claimed they were subjected to “intrusive and wholly unnecessary” gynaecological tests to work for Mr Al Fayed and have alleged the purpose of the tests was for checking for sexually transmitted infections.
Alleged victims are set to lodge a complaint against Dr Ann Coxon, claiming she has “questions to answer” over the examinations.
Dr Coxon declined to comment on the matter.
A General Medical Council spokeswoman said: “If we identify any potential fitness to practise concerns about individual doctors, we will thoroughly examine all relevant information and take action as appropriate.”
By Josh Payne, PA Chief Reporter