Mohammed Al Fayed.

When I was first working, much was made about never being able to work again without being able to provide a reference. When a predator raped me, he made me feel that I would be in trouble if I told anyone because I had led him on; now I know that I didn't and that was all part of the grooming. I could have screamed but I froze. I could have told someone but when I eventually did, I wasn't believed. Unless you've been in that position with a lack of self confidence to protect yourself, you obviously won't understand. Nowhere is that more obvious than Oreo's remarks.

Men are always going to be men whatever the law and there will always be predators. Surely the most important thing we have to do is to teach girls how to say 'No' and to avoid situations that could lead to assault. Easier said that done but far too many women feel embarrassed, ashamed or intimidated by powerful men. We need to equip them to stand up to this behaviour. Mohammed Fayed (he invented the 'Al') was an utter sleazeball and it was common knowledge when I worked in the fashion business in London in the 70s.

When my girl was a teen, she was outside, and an older council worker asked if he use our toilet.
He started off OK, saying that our toilet wasn't flushing well, and he could get it sorted.

He quickly moved the conversation on to much more personal things, and was totally inappropriate.

I was at work, so my girl went and told a neighbour, who had also found him creepy and smarmy; commenting about how lucky her husband was to come home to her.

He had also asked to use her toilet.
When I phoned up the council, the downright contempt I was treated with was appalling!

Their argument was that he had worked for the council for years, and never been reported.

Mine was that my 30 odd year old neighbour wasn't likely to phone and report, but my daughter was 13!!!

It's hardly surprising that these girls didn't speak out at the time when you read some of the horrible statements on here when we are supposed to have moved on. I am very glad I don't know those disagreeable posters who seem to enjoy putting the boot in to their fellow women and can't sympathise with them.

That's shocking, SeaDragon.

Rekarie

I don't understand why the CPS said no chance of prosecution. Hasn't Keir Starmer said to always believe the victim? This created issues with Paul Gambaccini and Cliff Richards who were wrongly accused.

Initially I thought interesting how these women waited and I wondered if it was for financial benefit

However, it is now apparent, after hearing statements from these women, they were terrified. Told if they went to the police their families families would be attacked. Of course he knew where they lived. So it wasn't so simple as it appeared initially.

So much for believe the victim. Sure, believe the victim as long as they're not reporting a billionaire who owns Harrods

So much for believe the victim. Sure, believe the victim as long as they're not reporting a billionaire who owns Harrods

Or in fact most men, especially rich and powerful ones.

That's the problem with women and under-age girls, they "ask for it" just by the fact of being female.

Seadragon, very unlikely that you would have been believed. That's what some of the Harrod's victims have reported. It would have been, 'well you accepted the lift', and 'what were you wearing?', or, as the Judge just now in that dreadful French multi-rape case commented, 'Well no-one died'!!!!
Glad you survived your ordeal. Kudos for speaking out on this thread.

There seems to be wider issues of a cover up. It will be interesting to see who else is involved. As others have said he was a rich, powerful man masquerading as charming.

I don't understand why the CPS said no chance of prosecution. Hasn't Keir Starmer said to always believe the victim? This created issues with Paul Gambaccini and Cliff Richards who were wrongly accused.

Initially I thought interesting how these women waited and I wondered if it was for financial benefit

However, it is now apparent, after hearing statements from these women, they were terrified. Told if they went to the police their families families would be attacked. Of course he knew where they lived. So it wasn't so simple as it appeared initially.

So much for believe the victim. Sure, believe the victim as long as they're not reporting a billionaire who owns Harrods

Netherbyg84

I completely agree with Oreo. These women should have left their employment with Harrods and told a future employer why they had left.
Sounds to me like they are jumping on the Me Too bandwagon now that he is dead, in the hope of a financial settlement.

They could simply have added it to their CV
"Raped and threatened by Mohammad el Fayed"
Would surely guarantee a successful interview

I was actually kidnapped, aged 18, by an eminent university professor in the late 60's. He offered me a lift home one evening then drove on, past my home, into the depths of a wooded area and propositioned me; clearly expecting me to be flattered and succumb. I talked my way out of the situation - despite being absolutely terrified - and did not report his actions as I felt strongly that I wouldn't be believed ..... I looked him up during the "Me too!" campaign and discovered he was internationally renowned and had a lovely family. I did not see any outcome in telling my story beyond causing his family distress and attracting negative comments regarding my actions both past and later. Believe me, making an allegation of this kind years after the events takes a lot more courage than I have.

Just read about 'Operation Soteria', in the Guardian online, where police officers should focus on the rape suspect's behaviour and previous sexual activity, rather than invesigating th credibility of the victim.

Thank goodness for MeToo giving the courage to come forward.

Yes, but even so the chances of conviction in rape cases is so low and the ordeal of court cases so great that many still go unreported as a result.

Reading some of the posts on here, or can understand why.

And that's another reason why it is difficult for girls/women to speak up. They will be accused of being 'gold diggers'.

Netherbyg84

I completely agree with Oreo. These women should have left their employment with Harrods and told a future employer and their families why they had left.
I feel they are jumping on the Me Too bandwagon now that he is dead, in order to gain a financial settlement.

Seriously?!?!?!?!

I think it sounds to me as if he was one of those monsters that everyone knew was a monster similar to Saville.
I think the same applies to the allegations against P. Diddy.
It cant just be me surely, the surprise I feel that Fayed is facing allegations, is similar to the surprise I feel when the the sky is there when I wake up.

In terms of an earlier prosecution, it's very hard indeed to prove rape unless the woman goes straight to the police and have access to internal examination/tests for DNA.
How many young women would have dared to do that, especially in the 1980's/90's?

...... or there are witnesses around the event sufficient to make a charge. In the circumstances described it seems to me that few if anyone? went straight to the police (I don't know numbers)

and those close to this constant harassment and knew about it kept their mouths shut both specifically or in general.

I believe he is the monster he has been made out to be, that enough women have come forward to warrant this, and that his high level people surrounding him were complicit. Thank goodness for MeToo giving the courage to come forward.

Over 150 women have come forward

Telling a future employer that would guarantee they were given a job... of course.

I completely agree with Oreo. These women should have left their employment with Harrods and told a future employer why they had left.
Sounds to me like they are jumping on the Me Too bandwagon now that he is dead, in the hope of a financial settlement.

Prosecution is decided on the likelihood of success, otherwise it is a total waste of money and resources.

Why blame KS ? The crown prosecution service have to be realistic and decide if they can go ahead and prosecute or not.
Lack of evidence, or lack of credible evidence is key.

It's all about coercive control, and that's the nature of it; no violence, nothing for anyone to see, all mind games.

Twice the Crown Prosecution Service did not prosecute Al Fayed for the rape of the women.

Keir Starmer was head of the Crown Prosecution Service but it has been stated that Al Fayed's case never crossed his desk.

How on earth can the rape case of such a prominent person as Al Fayed, whose son died with Princess Diana, never cross the desk of Keir Starmer, the head of the prosecution service.

It beggars belief.

I completely agree with Oreo. These women should have left their employment with Harrods and told a future employer and their families why they had left.
I feel they are jumping on the Me Too bandwagon now that he is dead, in order to gain a financial settlement.