The iconic London luxury department store Harrods has formally applied to local authorities for permission to remove sculptures and busts of its disgraced former owner Mohamed Al Fayed from its interior design. The renowned business, which began as a modest grocery store in 1849, has submitted comprehensive plans to completely overhaul its Egyptian-themed hall and redesign a five-floor escalator system that currently features prominent busts depicting Al Fayed as an Egyptian pharaoh.
The move comes in the wake of serious sexual assault allegations against the Egyptian billionaire, who died in 2023 at age 94. More than 20 female former Harrods employees accused Al Fayed of sexual assault in a BBC documentary released last year. The allegations have prompted an ongoing police investigation, with London's Metropolitan Police confirming to CNN on Thursday that they are currently investigating claims from more than 140 alleged victims.
The alleged assaults reportedly took place across multiple high-profile locations, including Al Fayed's luxury apartment building in London, the Ritz hotel in Paris which he owned, and Villa Windsor, the Parisian mansion he rented that previously served as the longtime residence of abdicated British monarch Edward VIII and his American wife Wallis Simpson. One victim described in the BBC documentary being assaulted when she was just 15 years old while Al Fayed was 79.
Harrods' detailed application to the Kensington and Chelsea council in London specifically addresses what it calls the "Egyptian Escalator," stating that it "explicitly celebrates Mr Al Fayed, including sixteen huge sculptures of his face." According to the submission, Al Fayed, who was born in Alexandria, drew extensively on his Egyptian heritage when renovating the department store after purchasing it in 1985. The escalator features 16 giant female heads on alternate levels based on portrait busts of Nefertiti, while the male heads depict Al Fayed's own image.
The store, which Al Fayed sold to Qatar Investment Authority in 2010, has worked strenuously to distance itself from its former owner since the allegations surfaced. A statement responding to the allegations, which remains active on the Harrods website, describes the current owners as "utterly appalled" and emphasizes that the company "is a very different organization to the one owned and controlled by Al Fayed between 1985 and 2010."
The planning application includes stark language about Al Fayed's damaged reputation, noting that obituaries, while acknowledging his "extraordinary business career," characterized him as "a liar, a fantasist and an aggressive sexual predator." The document states: "The sexual abuse allegations finally destroyed Mr Al Fayed's reputation, and the very large portrait busts of him on the Egyptian Escalator are now a visual reminder of his misdeeds."
A Harrods spokesperson confirmed the renovation plans to CNN, explaining the complex process involved in modifying the historic building. "Since change of ownership in 2010, Harrods has invested heavily to return the store to its heritage while balancing the needs of modern retail to better serve our customers," the spokesperson said. "Harrods is a Grade II listed (protected) building and so any proposed changes in store require considered plans, lengthy assessments, and close work with a number of relevant authorities. Having heard feedback from survivors, we have been working to expedite the proposed redevelopment project of the Egyptian escalators, and a planning and listed building consent application has now been submitted."
Beyond the physical renovations, Harrods has been actively addressing the aftermath of the allegations through financial settlements and support services. The store has been settling claims by current and former employees and has established the Harrods Redress scheme. More than 100 survivors have entered this program, with those deemed eligible receiving both professional counseling and financial compensation.
The company is also pursuing legal action against Al Fayed's estate to seek accountability and potential reimbursement. In June, Harrods filed an application at the High Court requesting the appointment of professional executors to ensure responsible administration of Mohamed Fayed's estate. This legal move potentially creates opportunities for survivors who have no direct connection to Harrods to make claims directly against the Fayed estate, while also opening a route for Harrods to seek contribution for compensation it has paid out for Fayed's actions.
The Kensington and Chelsea council is expected to render a decision on Harrods' renovation application on October 22. The approval would mark a significant step in the store's efforts to completely erase Al Fayed's visual presence from the business and move forward from this dark chapter in its history.
