Mohamed Al Fayed faked dementia to escape sex abuse allegations

In the UK, allegations against the late Mohamed Al Fayed, former owner of Harrods, have resurfaced following claims from his son, Omar Fayed. Omar stated that his father may have evaded prosecution for sexual assault and rape by deceiving authorities into believing he had dementia, a condition that purportedly exempted him from facing justice. Between 2017 and 2018, allegations against Al Fayed were reported, during which police decided that he was unfit for prosecution due to his alleged mental incapacity. These claims include numerous accusations from women who suggest he had been abusive for decades. Al Fayed, who passed away at the age of 94 last year, has been linked to at least 111 victims over nearly four decades. Omar expressed his regret that his father's case was not thoroughly investigated while he was alive, lamenting that the opportunity to bring charges was missed. Omar's comments liken his father to notorious figures like Jimmy Savile, reinforcing the idea that Al Fayed manipulated his circumstances to escape consequences for his actions. Omar’s statements have prompted the Metropolitan Police to reassess earlier investigations into Al Fayed's alleged behavior and the role of those who may have assisted him. As revelations of Al Fayed’s past are made public, victims of his alleged crimes are coming forward with their stories. One victim reported a history of abuse dating back to her teenage years, describing predatory behavior that included coercive sexual advances. The fallout from these claims has led many to call for a deeper investigation into not only Al Fayed's actions but the failures of law enforcement to hold him accountable. The Metropolitan Police acknowledged the complexities of the case and recognized the impact it has had on victims, stating that their review could illuminate potential shortcomings in how the investigations were managed and what might have been done differently. Al Fayed's former status and wealth have also raised discussions on how these factors may have allowed him to escape accountability throughout his life.