The high-end London department store, Harrods, said Thursday that it is “utterly appalled” by allegations of abuse – including rape – perpetrated by its former owner, the late billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed.

Lawyers in Britain representing dozens of women say that Mohamed Al Fayed — the former boss of Harrods — was a “monster” who raped and sexually abused young women throughout his time at the helm of the world-renowned London department store.

LONDON (AP) -- Mohamed Al Fayed, the former boss of Harrods, was a "monster' who raped and sexually abused young women, lawyers representing dozens of his accusers said Friday.