cover of episode Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods: 2. Executive suite

Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods: 2. Executive suite

2024/9/19
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World Of Secrets

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Al-Fayed's dramatic entrances at Harrods, complete with security guards, incense, and bagpipes, created a tense atmosphere for staff while impressing celebrity customers. However, his interactions with celebrities like Michael Jackson revealed a manipulative side, as he inflated prices of trinkets and exploited their fame.
  • Al-Fayed's entrances involved security guards, incense, and bagpipes.
  • He created a tense atmosphere for staff but impressed celebrities.
  • He overcharged Michael Jackson for cheap souvenirs.

Shownotes Transcript

Sophia is working in Harrods and is spotted by Mohamed Al Fayed. She’s handed an incredible career opportunity. Soon she moves to work with her billionaire boss in his executive suite. Not everything is as it seems.

On the shop floor, Mohamed Al Fayed is known for the way he makes a dramatic entrance, flanked by security guards. “He’s coming, he’s coming”, staff call out, as they spring to attention. Celebrity customers in the 1990s, like pop superstar Michael Jackson are shopping in the store.

This season of World of Secrets is about sexual abuse, and includes descriptions which some listeners might find distressing. If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this series, please contact support organisations in your own country. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline.