One of the sons of dead businessman Mohamed Al Fayed regrets that his father was not charged with allegations of sexual violence against dozens of women during his lifetime. Omar Al Fayed told Britain’s Mail on Sunday that he wished the London police investigation “could have taken its course while he was still alive.” He is relieved that the allegations are now known.
“If it turns out that a Nazi general has been hiding in the Algarve for the last 50 years, of course he should be brought to justice,” said 37-year-old Omar Al Fayed. He is the youngest child of the former owner of the luxury department store Harrods and the London football club Fulham FC. The police have missed opportunities in the past when allegations of abuse have been made.
‘Perhaps there would have been a just punishment’
Between 2005 and Al Fayed’s death in 2023, 21 women reported the entrepreneur. In no case was there a trial. According to London police, 90 additional alleged victims have come forward since the BBC first made allegations of two women public in September. A few weeks ago, investigators announced that they had opened investigations against several people who could have “facilitated” the crimes.
“I am saddened that the victims of these horrific alleged crimes were not able to come forward in a timely manner,” said Omar Al Fayed. “Maybe then they could have ended it somehow. Maybe there would have been a just punishment and consequences.” (dpa)