Joanna

I stand united with the other Harrods survivors, including those who are still finding the strength to speak.

The abuse connected to Mohamed Al-Fayed did not happen in isolation. It happened within an institution that built its prestige on image, control, and perfection. Harrods carefully curated how women should look and represent the brand. By doing so it reduced value to presentation rather than us as people. When appearance is prioritised over humanity, the vulnerability increases.

A workplace should offer safety, dignity, and protection - and especially to young women at the beginning of their careers. Instead, many of us experienced fear, coercion, exploitation, bullying, and discrimination.

Speaking out is not about dwelling in the past. It is about accountability. It is about ensuring that powerful institutions cannot hide behind reputation while harm occurs within their walls.

I question what true “Redress” means. Real redress requires far more than protecting an image - it requires transparency, acknowledgement of systemic failure, and meaningful cultural change.

I share my voice because silence protects institutions, not people.

And because no brand should ever matter more than a human life.