London, England – Former Harrods chief executive James McArthur revealed shocking details about Mohamed Al Fayed’s behavior during his tenure at the renowned luxury department store. Although McArthur did not witness any sexual abuse by Al Fayed, he described his behavior as “abhorrent” in various ways.
McArthur’s revelation comes after more than 20 women accused Al Fayed of sexual assault and rape in a recent BBC documentary. McArthur served as chief executive of Harrods for a brief period in 2008, during which a 15-year-old girl was allegedly assaulted in a Harrods boardroom. Despite media coverage of the investigation at the time, McArthur claimed to be unaware of it.
During his time at Harrods, McArthur found Al Fayed’s behavior to be unprofessional, citing inappropriate humor and a lack of professionalism. He mentioned that turnover among chief executives and directors was high under Al Fayed’s ownership, reflecting a tumultuous period for the iconic department store.
While a police investigation into Al Fayed’s conduct in 2008 was documented in newspaper articles, McArthur stated that he has no recollection of it. The Crown Prosecution Service ultimately decided not to pursue charges due to insufficient evidence. McArthur expressed shock and sympathy towards the victims who bravely came forward in the BBC documentary.
After his tenure at Harrods, McArthur went on to hold leadership positions at various fashion companies. His statement regarding Al Fayed’s behavior adds to a growing list of former Harrods directors who have been contacted about the allegations. The current owners of Harrods, the gulf state of Qatar, have acknowledged the need to address the failures in handling the victims’ claims and are committed to seeking justice and resolution.
The investigation into potential involvement of current Harrods staff in the allegations against Al Fayed underscores the impact of his actions. As the legacy of Al Fayed’s ownership continues to be examined, the voices of those affected by his behavior are being amplified, shedding light on a dark chapter in the history of the prestigious department store.