Paula

After hearing of the passing of Mohammed Al Fayed, I felt this overwhelming frustration and upset that I did not see justice for what he and Harrods put me through between the ages of 21 to 26. Some may ask why I did not speak up sooner, but those who knew Al Fayed and the way in which everyone around him, was complicit, there was a very real sense of fear for your career, personal safety and the safety of those close to you. It is only when hearing of Keaton, Sophia and the many incredible survivors coming forward, confronting and discussing the long-stretching horrible events against women at Harrods, that I felt now was the time to face my own experiences, after burying them for so long to a huge underlying detriment to my mental health. I now have three daughters of my own, one of whom is almost the age I was when I first experienced the predatory advances of Al Fayed, and it makes me feel physically ill to think that they could ever go through something like that. Time to call all of those who aided in the exploitation of women at the hands of Al Fayed to account. The group of women coming together are an incredible force, disgustingly mistreated and owed a huge apology and closure. I am proud to be part of this strong vocalisation.