The Story

Mohamed Al-Fayed: the monster of Harrods

Jun 11, 2025
Alison Kervin, author of 'The Monster of Harrods,' delves into the dark legacy of Mohamed Al-Fayed, the controversial Harrods owner. She reveals shocking accounts of abuse and the complicity of those who enabled his power. The discussion uncovers a culture of fear and manipulation, as victims fought against systemic indifference. Personal stories highlight the lasting trauma survivors face and the urgent need for community support. Kervin's insights challenge the broader implications of accountability in institutions.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
ANECDOTE

Scale of Abuse Uncovered

  • Alison Kervin initially believed the abuse scale would be small but found about 50 victims and suspects up to 300 or more were affected.
  • The abuse network expanded as more women came forward and referred her to others.
ANECDOTE

Liz's Harrowing Experience

  • Liz was raped by Al-Fayed after being summoned to his apartment under false pretenses.
  • Afterward, she was blackmailed with fake shoplifting charges to sign NDAs and remain silent.
ANECDOTE

Belinda's Forced Abortion

  • Belinda was raped by Al-Fayed, became pregnant, and was forced to have an abortion under pressure from Harrods staff.
  • She faced lifelong trauma and isolation from the abusive experience.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app