Al-Fayed victims speak out
The Citizen|November 04, 2024
RECRUITED: TESTED FOR VIRGINITY, ASSAULTED AND FORBIDDEN TO HAVE RELATIONSHIPS
Al-Fayed victims speak out

Jen and Cheska are among hundreds of women who have accused the late Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed of sexual assault and they have told of their "huge anger" that his alleged campaign of abuse and humiliation went unpunished.

"It looked like the dream job," said Jen, who was 16 when she joined the London department store considered to be the height of glamour.

But the prestige came at a price. Lawyers said more than 400 women and witnesses linked to Harrods, Fulham football club, the Ritz hotel in Paris and other Fayed entities have come forward in the past six weeks to allege he raped or assaulted them.

Jen worked at the London store from 1986, a year after the billionaire bought it, until 1991.

Cheska Hill-Wood was 19 in 1994, when she began working for the former tycoon, who died last year at the age of 94.

Fayed was there from the moment they interviewed, they said.

Cheska, who was an art student, believes Fayed's team spotted her photo in a magazine before she was contacted by Harrods.

"I guess my face fitted his requirements. I was young and very naive," she said.

After being hired, a Harrods doctor subjected Jen and Cheska to gynaecological examinations.

"The doctor made no bones about the fact that I was being checked to make sure that I was clean," said Jen, who is now 54.

Esta historia es de la edición November 04, 2024 de The Citizen.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

Esta historia es de la edición November 04, 2024 de The Citizen.

Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.

MÁS HISTORIAS DE THE CITIZENVer todo
Carlo, Pep head to lion's den
The Citizen

Carlo, Pep head to lion's den

Look out for cash-boosted TAB soccer pools galore and several explosive matches this weekend, but before that there's great football on the menu and plenty of cash to be won on TAB soccer bets, including an enthralling clash between Liverpool and Spanish champions Real Madrid tonight.

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 27, 2024
The Citizen

Irwin on Team Valor's SA interests

USA-based Team Valor has had a close relationship with South African racing for many years now and recently bought four fillies who have run with much success in South Africa.

time-read
4 minutos  |
November 27, 2024
The Citizen

Roberts set for week of distinction

Trainer Michael Roberts is in the throes of a big week as five-year-old See It Again is aimed at the R6-million Betway Summer Cup at Turffontein on Saturday.

time-read
1 min  |
November 27, 2024
The Citizen

Golden Rise to shine at Happy Valley

Hong Kong racing continues at Happy Valley today with an exciting nine-race fixture and highly competitive action expected throughout the evening.

time-read
1 min  |
November 27, 2024
Cody set to storm home
The Citizen

Cody set to storm home

CLASS: PETER-TRAINED RUNNER HAS BEEN RACING IN STRONGER COMPANY

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 27, 2024
Gateway to Omoda badge more affordable with C5 Street model
The Citizen

Gateway to Omoda badge more affordable with C5 Street model

Having dropped the price tag of the C5 to below R400 000 with the introduction of the Style grade in June, Omoda has gone a step further by debuting another derivative priced even lower at R329 900.

time-read
1 min  |
November 27, 2024
Picanto has come a long way
The Citizen

Picanto has come a long way

NEWVOLD: MORE POWER AND UPGRADED TECH MAKE KIA'S POPULAR HATCH MORE DESIRABLE

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 27, 2024
Renault reveals 2025 models
The Citizen

Renault reveals 2025 models

Plans to reclaim its standing within the top five vehicle brands.

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 27, 2024
Mitsubishi's new Triton lands
The Citizen

Mitsubishi's new Triton lands

CHALLENGE: 11-STRONG MODEL RANGE THROWS DOWN THE GAUNTLET TO MARKET STALWARTS

time-read
2 minutos  |
November 27, 2024
Top down simply the best
The Citizen

Top down simply the best

CLE CABRIOLET: LIVE THE FANTASY WITHOUT SUNBURN OR YOUR HAIR GETTING RUINED

time-read
3 minutos  |
November 27, 2024