The Monster of Harrods: Al-Fayed and the Secret, Shameful History of a British Institution

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Alison Kervin

The Monster of Harrods

Al-Fayed and the Secret, Shameful History of a British Institution

Alison Kervin

$34.99

Paperback

Forthcoming
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English

HARPER360
18 June 2025

Biography; True stories of heroism, endurance & survival; Violence in society; Sexual abuse & harassment; Corporate crime; Political corruption

This explosive exposé reveals the shocking truth about Mohamed Al-Fayed's controversial 25-year reign at Harrods.

To the public, he was the jovial, eccentric owner of one of the world's most iconic department stores—handing out lollipops and gifts to customers. But behind the scenes, Fayed wielded his power with cruelty, humiliation, and abuse that went unchecked for decades.

Drawing on extensive firsthand interviews with former employees, executives, police officers, and erstwhile friends, The Monster of Harrods exposes chilling accounts of misconduct, many detailed here for the first time. Through court records, witness testimonies, and previously unpublished accounts, the book uncovers:

The personal stories of victims whose lives were shattered. The systemic failures, threats, and NDAs that enabled years of silence. Astonishing details of how abuse was overlooked by those in power.

Fayed’s actions caused profound harm, from psychological trauma to breakdowns. Despite multiple allegations, police reports, and victims coming forward, his influence shielded him from accountability. Why were his crimes ignored? And why did senior figures at Harrods and beyond fail to act?

This is not just a story about one man’s abuse of power. It’s about the people and systems that allowed it to continue. The Monster of Harrods brings to light harrowing new evidence and asks urgent questions of those who stood by all the way up to the highest levels of governance.

This is the full unflinching investigation into power, corruption, and complicity at the heart of one of Britain’s most famous institutions.

By: Alison Kervin
Imprint: HARPER360
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 153mm, Spine: 20mm
Weight: 270g
ISBN: 9780008760953
ISBN 10: 0008760950
Pages: 320
Publication Date: 18 June 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Alison Kervin is an award-winning writer, biographer and journalist. She was formerly the Chief Sports Feature Writer of The Times where she wrote a weekly interview – The Kervin Interview – for three years, featuring stars. She is now a freelance writer and journalist, writing for the Sunday Times, Radio Times and Hello and has written six sports books.