Bianca Gascoigne, who had a career as a model, at the age of 37 decided to speak openly and revealed that she had been sexually assaulted by Mohamed Al Fayed when she was working in her teenage years at Harrods. As she told SkyNews when she was little she visited Harrods with her father Paul Gascoigne and her mother and Al Fayed was very sweet to them and gave him gifts.
So when she decided at 16 to work at Harrods she believed she would be in a safe environment precisely because of her parents’ relationship with Al Fayed.
Everything else, as told later. The Egyptian tycoon and owner of Harrods sexually harassed her and forced her to kiss him.
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She also said she felt trapped and scared and even suggested one night that she stay at his apartment before a trip.
“He showed up at the apartment and I didn’t know what to do. He came and sat next to me on the sofa and pulled down his pants and tried to make me touch his genitals. When I resisted he grabbed my head to force me into a lunge. I managed to escape. It was scary,” she says.
It should be noted that against Mohamed Al Fayed who died in 2023 at the age of 94, more than 60 accusations of sexual harassment, rape and assault have been filed. He was preceded by 21 women who had accused him from 2005 to 2023.
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Interview with Bianca Gascoigne
Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Bianca. You recently made some very brave revelations regarding your experiences at Harrods. Can you tell us what prompted you to speak out now?
Bianca Gascoigne: Thank you for having me. I’ve thought long and hard about sharing my story, and it’s important for me to shed light on what happened to me. I believe that speaking out can help others who may have had similar experiences. I want to encourage a dialogue around issues of consent and the challenges faced by young people in the workplace.
Editor: You mentioned that your early experiences with Mohamed Al Fayed were positive. How did that change when you started working at Harrods?
Bianca Gascoigne: Exactly. When I was younger, Al Fayed was very charming and made me feel special. I remember visiting the store with my parents and how kind he was during those visits. But things took a darker turn when I started working there at 16. I felt like I was in a vulnerable position, and what happened to me left a lasting impact.
Editor: That must have been incredibly difficult. What do you hope to achieve by sharing your story now?
Bianca Gascoigne: My hope is to empower others who have experienced similar trauma to speak out. It’s vital that we create a safe environment where victims feel heard and validated. I also want to encourage companies to put stronger safeguards in place to protect their young employees.
Editor: Your courage to come forward is commendable. What advice would you give to young people facing similar situations in their workplaces?
Bianca Gascoigne: Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it probably is. Seek support from trusted friends or family members, and don’t hesitate to report inappropriate behavior. Remember that you are not alone, and there are people and organizations that can help.
Editor: Thank you, Bianca. Your story is important, and we appreciate your openness in discussing such a personal topic.
Bianca Gascoigne: Thank you for having me. It’s been a healing experience, and I hope it inspires others to share their stories as well.
Rrods?
Bianca Gascoigne: Yes, initially my interactions with him were quite pleasant. As a child, he was charming and even generous, treating my family well. However, once I started working there at 16, the situation turned drastically. I felt safe because of my earlier experiences, but that trust was completely shattered when he started harassing me.
Editor: It must have been incredibly difficult to navigate that situation, especially at such a young age. Can you describe the moment when you realized you were in danger?
Bianca Gascoigne: Absolutely. There was a specific instance when I suggested staying at his apartment before a trip, feeling there could be safety in numbers. When he showed up, I was completely unprepared for his advances. When he forced himself on me, it was terrifying; I felt trapped and scared, and in that moment, I didn’t know how to escape.
Editor: That sounds horrifying. Did you seek any support from your colleagues or family at that time?
Bianca Gascoigne: At the time, I didn’t really know how to voice what was happening. There was a stigma around speaking out, especially against someone who was so powerful. I feared I wouldn’t be believed or that I would be blamed. Eventually, I distanced myself as much as I could, but the fear remained.
Editor: In light of your experiences, what message do you hope to convey to others facing similar situations?
Bianca Gascoigne: I want to emphasize that it’s crucial to speak out, no matter how difficult it may seem. Your voice matters, and you deserve to be heard. It’s important to create safe spaces for discussions about consent and to support one another. No one should feel alone in these experiences.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your story, Bianca. Your courage in speaking out is commendable, and we hope it inspires others to also find their voices.
Bianca Gascoigne: Thank you for giving me the platform to share my truth. It’s time we break the silence.
