Lorraine Kelly openly expressed her thoughts after viewing the BBC One documentary on Mohammed Al Fayed.
The Scottish presenter was left feeling “disturbed” by the accounts of numerous ex-Harrods workers, prompting her to question how the businessman had managed to forge connections with the Royal Family amid the allegations of what was happening in the shadows.
Discussing with Royal correspondent Russell Myers on Monday’s show (23 September), the conversation swiftly shifted to the fresh claims brought forth in the BBC documentary which featured statements from over 20 women, including former staff members.
The complainants accused the tycoon, who died last year at 94, of sexual assault or rape, with Lorraine sharing her unease about the programme, describing it as “disturbing” in a conversation with Russell.
Before welcoming Russell to the set, Lorraine confessed: “Very disturbing documentary, I watched that. Not an easy watch but yeah, actually something that we should,” according to the Mirror.
“You can understand why some of these women are coming forward now, watching The Crown and he did come across as a pretty decent guy, you know funny and generous and the portrayal that they are saying is ‘he was a monster’,” Lorraine discussed with Russell.
The documentary and podcast titled ‘Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods’ have heard allegations that during Fayed’s tenure as owner, Harrods failed to act on previous claims made against him.
Following the broadcast, the current proprietors of Harrods have extended their apologies to those affected, expressing they are “utterly appalled” by the revelations. It is understood that subsequent to the airing, more individuals have stepped forward with additional allegations.
Lorraine said: “It’s astonishing he managed to get so close to the Royal Family,” as Russell nodded and agreed with her comments.
When speaking about justice for victims, the host fumed: “He’s dead now and he can’t be called to account but there must have been people around him who were enabling this behaviour for so long.”
Moving on, the ITV star was more than happy to chat about more “wholesome” news as she and Russell discussed Kate Middleton’s recent outing after undergoing chemotherapy treatment.
The new grandma commented that it was lovely to see Prince William’s wife getting back to normality as she encouraged “baby steps” and for Kate not to rush and make sure she was in good health before lunging back in for Royal duties again.
Lorraine airs weekdays on ITV, from 9am.