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.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
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.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
TV concept for entrepreneurs
An authentic look at what it takes to build a successful product or service.
Ruud given a rude shock
As a Manchester United fan, nothing would've given me greater satisfaction than to see Erik ten Hag and his technical team succeed.
Makgopa will reward trust
Bafana Bafana striker Evidence Makgopa (below) is hoping to reward the trust put in him by Hugo Broos, as South Africa look to seal qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) finals in Morocco.
FIGHT ALL IN VAIN
SA’s skipper Markram pleased with the never-say-die attitude of his batters chasing a formidable India target.
Sinner turns on the heat
Jannik Sinner (above) hit the accelerator at the end of each set as he cruised past Taylor Fritz 6-4, 6-4 on Tuesday night to close in on a semifinal spot at the ATP Finals in Turin.
Kiwi scrummies 'inspired' by Dupont
New Zealand defence coach Scott Hansen said yesterday the All Blacks' inexperienced scrum-halves will be motivated to face France superstar Antoine Dupont this weekend.
Boks will stick to own identity
BROWN: WON'T TEACH THEM TO PLAY LIKE ALL BLACKS
Referee Coote under scrutiny
The Football Association is investigating after a video was posted on social media appearing to show Premier League referee David Coote (above) making derogatory comments about Liverpool and their former manager Juergen Klopp.
Socceroos await 'desperate' Saudis
Melbourne - Australia coach Tony Popovic said yesterday he is expecting an energetic Saudi Arabia \"desperate\" for a result under new boss Herve Renard in their World Cup qualifying clash in Melbourne.
DStv loses 1m subscribers
MultiChoice finally admits that, globally, pay TV growth has plateaued.