The Monster of Harrods: Al-Fayed and the secret, shameful history of a British institution

An unflinching exposé of Mohamed Al-Fayed’s 25-year reign at Harrods

Why were his crimes ignored?

Why did those in power look the other way?

To the public, he was the eccentric owner of one of the world’s most iconic department stores. But behind closed doors, Fayed ruled with cruelty, humiliation, and unchecked abuse.

This explosive investigation lays bare the power, corruption, and complicity at the heart of an iconic British institution.

Drawing on firsthand interviews with former staff, allies, executives, and police officers, The Monster of Harrods exposes chilling accounts of misconduct—many revealed here for the first time. Through court records, testimonies and unpublished material, the book uncovers:

• Victims’ stories and lives irreparably damaged • The NDAs, threats and systemic failures that kept them silent • The staggering indifference of those who knew but did nothing

This isn’t just about one man’s abuse of power – it’s about the culture that enabled him. The Monster of Harrods presents damning new evidence and asks urgent questions of the people and institutions who stood by.

© 2025 HarperCollins (Audiobook): 9780008756079

Release date

Audiobook: 19 June 2025