Mohamed al Fayed’s son Omar says allegations against father have ‘thrown into question, the loving memory I had of him’

Mohamed al Fayed’s son Omar says he is “horrified” about the allegations against his late father, saying it has “thrown into question the loving memory I had of him”.

A string of accusations against the billionaire former Harrods and Fulham FC owner, who died last year aged 94, have emerged in recent days following an investigation by the BBC.

The claims include five accusations of rape and multiple allegations of sexual abuse. Among those coming forward are former staff at the luxury department store in Knightsbridge, central London.

Omar Fayed said: “I am horrified and deeply concerned by the allegations recently brought to light against my late father.

“The extent and explicit nature of the allegations are shocking and has thrown into question, the loving memory I had of him.

“How this matter could have been concealed for so long and in so many ways, raises further disturbing questions.”

Omar also said that although he loved his father “very much” and he was a “wonderful dad, that aspect of our relationship… does not blind me from an objective assessment of circumstances”.

He said he stood “unequivocally in support of any legitimate investigation into these allegations”, adding: “The alleged victims and public deserve full transparency and accountability.”

Omar went on: “I will continue to support the principles of truth, justice, accountability, and fairness, regardless of where that journey may lead. No one is above the law.”

A spokesman for Justice for Harrods Survivors, a group of barristers representing the alleged victims, says there has been an “enormous” response to the investigation.

He said there are now “60 survivors” as part of the group’s claim, “with more to come”.

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