Harrods admits failure to protect workers amid misconduct claims
- Michael Ward, managing director of Harrods, expressed horror at the allegations against former owner Mohamed Al Fayed, acknowledging a toxic culture during his tenure.
- Al Fayed has been accused of sexual misconduct, including rape, by numerous women over a span of at least 20 years.
- Ward stated that Harrods failed its employees by not addressing the issues and emphasized the need for an independent review and settlement process.
The recent allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed, former owner of Harrods, have prompted a strong response from the current managing director, Michael Ward. In a statement, Ward expressed his horror at the revelations of a toxic workplace culture characterized by secrecy, intimidation, and sexual misconduct. He acknowledged that many employees suffered due to the environment fostered during Al Fayed's ownership from 1985 to 2010. Ward, who worked at Harrods during Al Fayed's tenure, stated that he was not aware of any criminal activities or abuse, despite rumors circulating in the public domain. He emphasized that had he been informed of any allegations, he would have acted immediately. The allegations against Al Fayed have surfaced following a BBC documentary that identified at least 20 alleged victims, with some claiming they were raped. In light of these serious accusations, Ward has committed to ensuring that today's Harrods is vastly different from the past. He announced the establishment of a settlement process and an independent review to address the issues raised by the allegations. Ward's decision to step back from charity roles during this review reflects a commitment to accountability and change. The situation highlights the need for organizations to confront past abuses and create a safer environment for employees. The ongoing investigation into Al Fayed's actions serves as a reminder of the importance of transparency and the responsibility of leadership in addressing misconduct.