Ex-Rangers star Paul Gascoigne’s daughter Bianca has opened up on an alleged “horrific” sexual assault she was subjected to by formers Harrods boss Mohamed Al Fayed.
The 37-year-old daughter of the Ibrox legend has revealed the alleged offence took place when she worked at the plush London department store.
Addressing her time working at Harrods, Gascoigne told Sky News: “He (Mr Al Fayed) used to tell me how much of a bad father my dad was, because he used to come into the store drunk. He used to tell me that he (Gascoigne) was an embarrassment, that I should look to him as a father figure.
“I just felt a false sense of security with him early doors, because I used to go into the store with my mum and dad, and he used to come over, be very charming, bring us gifts, very personable. So I literally felt quite safe in his presence early doors.”
Gascoigne said that Mr Al Fayed had offered her the opportunity to stay in the Harrods Park Lane apartment before a work flight.
She added: “He turned up at the apartment, to my shock. I just couldn’t believe it. I was just gobsmacked. I was kind of very shell-shocked, that I just didn’t really know what to do. He came in, and then he sat me down on the sofa and was obviously very forceful with the touching and the kissing.
“He got his private out and got my hand and was trying to manoeuvre it on his parts, and when that didn’t work, he was trying to force my head on his lap. I don’t know how but I managed to wiggle away. He was doing all these things to me and I was close to people that he knew, and I felt like I couldn’t even tell them either because I didn’t want to bring embarrassment and shame.”
“He told me that if I would say anything that I would lose my job. So I just really got scared.
“I look back now and just feel very sorry for my 16-year-old self, and wish I could protect her.
“I feel like I have to do this, I want to do this, and I want to stand for the women and just hopefully make any kind of change (so) that in the future, my daughter wouldn’t have to go through something like this.”
Al Fayed died in 2023, aged 94. Last month Police Scotland says it has investigated a report of a “non-recent sexual assault” by Mohamed Al Fayed at his former estate in the Highlands.
Fayed was the owner of Balnagown Estate in Easter Ross. Police Scotland said its inquiries into the matter were complete.
A force spokesperson said: “Should new information be obtained or reported to police, then further inquiries will be carried out.”
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