THE MANAGER of Harrods has accused Mohamed Al Fayed of "presiding over a culture of fear and secrecy".
Michael Ward, who worked under Al Fayed from 2006 to 2010, has also said he is "deeply sorry for failing colleagues".
It comes after five women have come forward claiming they were raped by Al Fayed, who died last year at the age of 94.
Since the allegations first came to light last week, nearly 200 staff are understood to have also come forward accusing him of sexual misconduct.
In a written statement released today, Mr Ward said: “As managing director of Harrods, I wanted to convey my personal horror at the revelations that have emerged over the past week.
"We have all seen the survivors bravely speak about the terrible abuse they suffered at the hands of Harrods former owner Mohamed Fayed. As we have already stated, we failed our colleagues and for that we are deeply sorry.
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“As someone who has worked at Harrods since 2006, and therefore worked for Fayed until the change of ownership in 2010, I feel it is important to make it clear that I was not aware of his criminality and abuse.
"While it is true that rumours of his behaviour circulated in the public domain, no charges or allegations were ever put to me by the Police, the CPS, internal channels or others. Had they been, I would of course have acted immediately.
The statement continues: "Fayed, who owned Harrods from 1985 – 2010, operated this business as his own personal fiefdom.
"It is now clear that he presided over a toxic culture of secrecy, intimidation, fear of repercussion and sexual misconduct. The picture that is now emerging suggests that he did this wherever he operated.
“This was a shameful period in the business’ history, however the Harrods of today is unrecognisable to Harrods under his ownership.
"As detailed new information has come to light over the past 18 months, the business has established a settlement process, designed in consultation with independent external experts in personal injury litigation.
"We encourage former colleagues to contact us using this process so that we can provide the support, and recourse, they need.
Mr Ward said he will “in no way influence” an independent review into the allegations.
He added: "Alongside this there is an independent review led by a non-executive committee of the Board to further consider the issues arising from the allegations.
"I am not part of the committee conducting this review and will in no way influence its operation or recommendations.
"However, I have provided all the information I have to ensure my own conduct can be reviewed alongside that of my colleagues.
"I have also stepped back from my charity trustee positions while this review is taking place.”
Alleged victims include former Harrods secretary Lindsay, who told of how Al Fayed sexually harassed, sexually assaulted and groped female staff on a daily basis.
She said he drugged and attempted to rape her on a work trip to Paris.
Dean Armstrong KC, representing the alleged victims, has said he has so far heard from nearly 200 "survivors".
He said: "We have heard from scores and scores, probably up to 200 people coming to us to give us their accounts.
"This was a system in Harrods to facilitate the abuse Al Fayed engaged in."
He described Al Fayed as a "monster", before describing how the case "combines some of the most horrific elements of the cases involving Jimmy Savile, Jeffrey Epstein and Harvey Weinstein".
The barrister has also said he is probing "all entities that Al Fayed had involvement in".
That includes Fulham Football Club, which Al Fayed owned from 1997 until 2013.
In a statement last week, the club said: "We are deeply troubled and concerned to learn of the disturbing reports following the documentary.
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"We have sincere empathy for the women who have shared their experiences.
"We are in the process of establishing whether anyone at the club is or has been affected."