26 September 2024 , 15:53
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Michael Ward criticizes Harrods for failing staff, claiming Fayed oversaw a ‘toxic culture’ during a ‘shameful period’.
The managing director of Harrods has apologised and stepped back from a role with the Royal Ballet and Opera as the fallout from the allegations of years of sexual misconduct by the department store’s former owner Mohamed Al Fayed continues.
Michael Ward admitted Harrods had failed its staff as Fayed “presided over a toxic culture of secrecy, intimidation, fear of repercussion and sexual misconduct” during his decades in charge.
Ward, who worked for Fayed for four years, said he was “not aware of his criminality and abuse” and described it as a “shameful period in the business’s history”.
His statement came as another woman 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 have come forward to say they were raped by Fayed, who died last year at the age of 94, with several others alleging sexual misconduct.
On Thursday, Scotland Yard called on survivors who had not yet come forward to do so. While detectives acknowledged it was too late to prosecute Fayed himself, “we fully explore whether any other individuals could be pursued for any criminal offences”.
Ward said an independent review was also under way into issues arising from the allegations.
Ward said: “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.”
Ward said Fayed ran Harrods “as his own personal fiefdom”, adding that the same toxic culture seemed to pervade any business he ran.
Ward said: “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 Fayed’s conduct for the purpose of settling the claims of alleged victims brought to its attention since 2023, reaching settlements with the vast majority.
Ward said he would “in no way influence” an independent review into the allegations. “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.”