BURIED SECRETS

We look at the shocking cases of celebrities posthumously accused of being sexual predators-and how they got away with it

-  FRANCES LEATE

It's a sad truth that most women know someone or have themselves been affected by a sex crime. Whether it occurs in the workplace, on a night out or in your own home, the impact can be devastating. According to Rape Crisis, one in four women have been raped or sexually assaulted as an adult, and one in six children have been sexually abused.

Each victim must deal with the aftermath.

Out of 69,184 rapes recorded by police between 1 July 2023 and 30 June 2024, charges were brought in just 2.7% of cases, and even fewer were convicted.

Many victims fear not being believed, as well as facing financial and emotional consequences - and this can be further complicated if the perpetrator is famous, with wealth, power and influence over others.

In some cases, victims of celebrity sexual predators have felt unable to speak out until their abuser has died. By then it's too late to get justice, so questions instead turn to the institutions and individuals that helped facilitate them for so long.

MOHAMMED A FAYED

In the recent BBC documentary Al Fayed Predator at Harrods, the self-made billionaire, businessman and ex-Harrods owner Mohammed Al Fayed was exposed as a sexual predator who abused hundreds of female staff members working at the high-end London store during his 25 years as owner, from 1985 to 2010.

Producers interviewed more than 20 victims, some who were as young as 15 at the time. They told their shocking stories of grooming, abuse and rape, which revealed a depressing picture of the free rein Al Fayed enjoyed over his female employees.