The recent allegations against Mohamed al Fayed, former owner of Harrods and Fulham FC, bring to mind a chilling parallel with the case of Jimmy Savile, the disgraced TV presenter. Both men wielded significant influence in their respective domains, and it was only after their deaths that the full extent of their alleged crimes began to emerge. This article explores why it took so long for the truth to surface and examines how their power and networks may have shielded them from accountability during their lifetimes. Additionally, it highlights the roles of institutions and individuals who may have had reasons to suppress these allegations until it was too late.
Before we begin an overview of two specific individuals let us never forget that senior politicians from our past are implicated in something that should have seen long term incarcerations and would have if they were not protected.
The Cases of Jimmy Savile and Mohamed al Fayed
Jimmy Savile, once a beloved TV personality, was revealed after his death in 2011 to have been one of Britain’s most prolific sexual predators. His abuses spanned decades and included hundreds of victims, ranging from children to vulnerable adults. The revelation shocked the nation, not only because of the scale of his crimes but also because so many had remained silent while he was alive.
Similarly, Mohamed al Fayed, who died in 2023, is now facing posthumous accusations of sexual assault and rape. Reports suggest that more than 150 individuals have come forward with allegations of abuse that occurred during his ownership of Harrods and Fulham FC. Like Savile, Fayed was a figure of considerable influence, and the fact that accusations were not publicly known or acted upon during his lifetime raises serious questions about the effectiveness of the systems in place to protect victims.
The Influence of Power and Wealth
Both Savile and Fayed were protected, to a large extent, by their social status, wealth, and connections. Savile, with his connections to the BBC and numerous charitable organisations, managed to cultivate an image of a benevolent, eccentric celebrity. This public persona, coupled with his access to hospitals, children’s homes, and other institutions, provided him with opportunities to commit his crimes undetected. His association with influential figures, including members of the Royal Family and politicians, further insulated him from scrutiny.
Fayed’s influence stemmed from his vast wealth and ownership of prominent British establishments like Harrods. His close association with celebrities, politicians, and even the Royal Family gave him a level of protection and deference that few others could command. Despite reports of his inappropriate behaviour and attempts to ingratiate himself with powerful circles, the seriousness of allegations against him was not fully acknowledged until after his death.
Institutional Failures and Complicity
In both cases, there were multiple opportunities for authorities to act. The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) acknowledged that it had twice failed to bring charges against Fayed for sexual abuse, despite evidence presented by the Metropolitan Police. In 2008, Fayed was accused of indecent assault against a 15-year-old girl, but the CPS did not prosecute due to conflicting evidence. Again, in 2013, he was alleged to have raped a woman, but no charges were brought after a police reinvestigation in 2015. The CPS cited insufficient evidence for a realistic prospect of conviction, but the fact that these allegations did not lead to charges raises questions about the threshold for prosecuting influential individuals.
Similarly, in Savile’s case, there were numerous complaints and reports made to the police and the BBC over the years, but none resulted in a formal investigation. It was only after his death that an independent inquiry revealed the extent of institutional failures, including missed opportunities by the police and the BBC to investigate and hold him accountable.
Why So Long? The Culture of Silence
The delay in addressing the crimes of both men can be attributed to a culture of silence, fear, and complicity. Victims often feel powerless against wealthy and influential abusers, fearing they will not be believed or that their lives will be destroyed if they come forward. In the case of both Savile and Fayed, victims and witnesses likely felt that their allegations would be dismissed, given the men’s powerful connections and public personas.
Moreover, these men cultivated an image that made them seem untouchable. Savile was seen as a charitable figure, a friend of the establishment, and even an adviser to the government on certain issues. His persona made it difficult for people to believe that he could be capable of such heinous acts. Similarly, Fayed’s public image as a flamboyant businessman and his legal battles with the establishment over issues like the ownership of Harrods and the inquest into the deaths of Princess Diana and his son Dodi may have distracted from his alleged personal misconduct.
The Role of the Media
The media plays a crucial role in holding powerful figures to account. However, in both the Savile and Fayed cases, the media’s role was complicated. There were rumours and whispers about both men’s behaviour, but these were not aggressively pursued by journalists until after their deaths. In Savile’s case, several journalists have since stated that they were aware of allegations but felt unable to publish due to a lack of evidence and fear of legal repercussions. Fayed’s legal aggressiveness and willingness to use his wealth to silence critics may have similarly dissuaded the press from pursuing the story more vigorously.
Who Has a Lot to Hide?
The pattern of silence and complicity surrounding powerful individuals raises the question of who else may be protected by their status and influence. The fact that these allegations only surfaced prominently after the deaths of Savile and Fayed suggests that there are likely others who remain shielded while alive. This protection may come from various sources:
- Institutional Protection: Individuals within organisations may feel that protecting a powerful figure is in their best interest, either to safeguard the institution’s reputation or to protect their careers. This could apply to business magnates, political figures, or even members of the entertainment industry.
- Legal and Financial Power: Wealthy individuals can use their resources to intimidate accusers and silence critics through defamation lawsuits, settlements, or non-disclosure agreements (NDAs). This tactic can prevent allegations from coming to light while the individual is alive.
- Social and Political Connections: Those with ties to influential figures may be shielded from scrutiny due to fears of backlash or loss of access. This was evident in both the Savile and Fayed cases, where their connections provided a form of insulation from serious allegations.
- Cultural Attitudes: There remains a tendency in society to disbelieve victims, especially when the accused is a well-respected figure. This societal bias can discourage victims from coming forward and make it easier for abusers to continue their behaviour unchecked.
Conclusion: The Powerful Play By Different Rules. As Ever Was
The cases of Jimmy Savile and Mohamed al Fayed serve as stark reminders of the dangers posed by unchecked power and influence. The fact that their alleged crimes were only exposed after their deaths indicates systemic failures in protecting victims and holding perpetrators accountable. It also raises the troubling possibility that there are others who continue to evade justice due to their status.
Moving forward, it is essential to create a cultural and institutional environment where victims feel safe to come forward and where allegations against powerful individuals are taken seriously, regardless of their status. Only by doing so can we hope to prevent future abuses and ensure that justice is not delayed until it is too late.
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