Harrods' James McArthur addresses Fayed's abhorrent behavior

James McArthur, who served as Harrods' chief executive for ten months in 2008, reported witnessing inappropriate behavior from Mohamed Al Fayed, the store's owner, but denied any knowledge of sexual abuse. During his tenure, a police investigation was launched regarding an alleged assault on a minor in a Harrods boardroom, which McArthur claimed he was unaware of despite media coverage. He described his time at Harrods as unpleasant, citing dysfunctional professional relationships with Fayed. McArthur expressed sympathy for the victims of Fayed's alleged misconduct and emphasized that had he been aware of any abuse, he would have taken action. The investigation into Fayed's conduct has led to a broader inquiry by Harrods' current owners, who have acknowledged that victims were failed and are looking into potential involvement of current staff in the allegations. The new ownership, which acquired Harrods in 2010, has committed to addressing legal claims from the victims, highlighting a shift in accountability and recognition of past failures under Fayed's management.