Carolyn

I am coming forward publicly to share something that has haunted me for over 40 years. Something so horrendous and sickening I genuinely believe no amount of therapy will ever help me.

In 1984, at just 19 fresh out of college and at my first job, I was asked by someone within the company to go to the Park Lane apartment of Mohamed Al‑Fayed. There, I was violently sexually assaulted.

After the assault, I ran from the room, terrified, trying desperately to find the front door, when I did, it was locked.

I can still to this day see the rooms, and feel the fear that consumed me on that day, as I struggled to escape knowing that he was not far behind me.

That day changed my life for ever, The trauma of being trapped, unable to open the front door to escape from a man so Powerful So Strong twice my size, I had been violated I was powerless.

That fear has lived inside me ever since,  It has  affected my career, my confidence, and my ability to live and work freely, for decades.

I kept silent, as I was told to by his brother, and if I didn't there would be consequences to my family as they knew everything about me. I shut down feared the worst and reclused into my own head.

Having told no one, no family no friends for fear of what might happen to me or them.

But now in 2026, as a mother, I can no longer stay quiet.

With the strength of my family after I eventually told them some 40 years later I have come forward not for money but for justice.

I have a daughter and unlike so many survivors who never saw or will see justice, I want to make sure that those who committed  such acts, and those who enable them, are held accountable.

What happened to me was life changing & horrific.

The people who participated in this who organised for me to go to his apartment, which I believed was for work purposes, turned a blind eye, I am sure they knew what horror they were send me to.

I assume did it for their own gain. I was a young lady full of hope and happiness, wanting to please my new employer, I was innocent emotionally and physically..

These people who allowed this abuse to happen must face justice.

I am not coming forward for attention, or financial gain, but for accountability.

My hope is that by speaking the truth now, I can help others find the strength to break their silence too, and together we can ensure that these abuses are never repeated by anyone, against anyone again