Bianca Gascoigne Says Mohamed Al Fayed Sexually Assaulted Her: A Harrowing Account
Reality TV star Bianca Gascoigne, daughter of football legend Paul Gascoigne, has come forward with disturbing allegations against the late former Harrods boss, Mohamed Al Fayed. In an emotional interview with Sky News, she detailed a “horrific” sexual assault that occurred during her time working at the luxury department store. The allegations add to a growing number of claims surrounding Al Fayed, who passed away in 2023.
Bianca Gascoigne Opens Up About Sexual Assault at Harrods
Bianca Gascoigne, now 37, has revealed the reason she remained silent for so long. Fear of “embarrassment and shame” kept her from speaking out against the assault she alleges was carried out by Mohamed Al Fayed, known for his ownership of Harrods and Fulham FC. According to Gascoigne, Al Fayed’s abuse occurred while she was working at the prestigious store.
Her decision to come forward now is part of a broader effort to raise awareness and stand up for other women who may have been affected by similar experiences.
Mohamed Al Fayed’s Alleged Sexual Misconduct: Over 250 Claims of Abuse
Gascoigne’s accusations are not an isolated incident. Harrods has acknowledged that more than 250 individuals are involved in a compensation scheme tied to claims of sexual misconduct by Mohamed Al Fayed. These allegations span a wide range of abuses, including rape and sexual assault, between 2005 and 2023.
Although 21 women have come forward with formal accusations, the Metropolitan Police referred only two cases to prosecutors. Despite evidence reviewed by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in 2009 and 2015, no charges were filed due to insufficient likelihood of conviction.
Bianca Gascoigne Describes Her Relationship With Al Fayed
Bianca Gascoigne described how Al Fayed initially made her feel safe and comfortable. She recounted that he would often engage with her family, including her famous father, Paul Gascoigne. Al Fayed would present himself as a family friend, gifting them presents and acting “charming” during their visits to Harrods.
“He (Mr. Al Fayed) used to tell me how much of a bad father my dad was,” Gascoigne told Sky News, “because he used to come into the store drunk. He used to tell me that he was an embarrassment, that I should look to him as a father figure.”
Gascoigne noted how these interactions led her to feel a “false sense of security” in Al Fayed’s presence.
The Shocking Encounter at Park Lane
The most distressing part of Gascoigne’s account revolves around a terrifying encounter at Al Fayed’s Park Lane apartment. She described being “gobsmacked” when he unexpectedly arrived at the apartment and began making unwanted advances.
“He turned up at the apartment, to my shock. I just couldn’t believe it,” she recounted. Al Fayed allegedly became forceful with her, attempting to engage in non-consensual sexual activity. Gascoigne recalled how she managed to escape his advances, despite being “shell-shocked” and unsure of how to react.
“He got his private out and got my hand and was trying to manoeuvre it on his parts,” Gascoigne said, adding that he also attempted to force her head onto his lap. “I don’t know how but I managed to wiggle away,” she added.
Why Bianca Gascoigne Stayed Silent for Years
Gascoigne reflected on the internal conflict that kept her from speaking out about the assault. Despite the severity of what she had experienced, she felt unable to tell anyone at the time due to fear of losing her job and bringing shame upon her family.
“He told me that if I would say anything that I would lose my job,” Gascoigne said. Her feelings of powerlessness were compounded by her young age at the time of the incident. She explained that her desire to keep her dream job at Harrods contributed to her silence.
“I look back now and just feel very sorry for my 16-year-old self, and wish I could protect her,” she said. Gascoigne now feels it is her duty to share her story in the hope of preventing future abuse.
The Broader Impact: Al Fayed’s Legacy and Sexual Assault Allegations
Al Fayed’s legacy, once centered on his ownership of Harrods and Fulham FC, has become tainted by these accusations. After selling Harrods to the Qatari Royal Family for £1.5 billion in 2010, his name continued to be linked to high-profile allegations of sexual misconduct.
Gascoigne’s account has added significant weight to the ongoing discussions about the prevalence of abuse in high-powered circles. Her story is part of a broader narrative about the importance of survivors speaking out and holding powerful figures accountable for their actions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Bianca Gascoigne say about Mohamed Al Fayed?
Bianca Gascoigne alleged that Mohamed Al Fayed sexually assaulted her while she was working at Harrods. She described the incident as “horrific” and detailed how he made unwanted advances towards her.
When did the alleged assault occur?
The alleged assault took place when Gascoigne was 16 years old, during her time working at Harrods. It happened at Mohamed Al Fayed’s Park Lane apartment.
Why did Bianca Gascoigne stay silent for so long?
Gascoigne remained silent due to fears of losing her job and bringing shame upon her family. She also felt powerless at the time, given her young age and the powerful position Al Fayed held.
How many people have accused Mohamed Al Fayed of sexual misconduct?
More than 250 people have come forward as part of a compensation scheme linked to allegations of sexual misconduct by Mohamed Al Fayed. Among them, 21 women have made formal accusations of rape and sexual assault.
What action has been taken against Mohamed Al Fayed?
The Metropolitan Police referred two cases to prosecutors, but the CPS decided not to pursue charges due to a lack of evidence strong enough to secure a conviction.
