World Of Secrets

BBC Podcasts
  • 0.0 (0)
  • DOCUMENTARY
  • WEEKLY SERIES
World Of Secrets

Be first to hear the stories they don't want told

€2.99/month or €29.99/year

NEW season: Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods. Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed – then owner of one of the most famous shops in the world – is accused of rape and attempted rape by women who worked for him. Now they refuse to be silenced any longer. This is a story of power and control at the very top of British society. At the time of many of the alleged attacks, Mohamed Al Fayed was the owner of London’s luxury department store Harrods, and also the iconic Ritz Paris hotel and English football club Fulham FC. The BBC has heard testimony of over 20 women. Harrods has condemned Al Fayed’s actions “in the strongest terms” and has told the BBC that “as a business we failed our employees who were his victims and for this we sincerely apologise.” Harrods says the organisation is different today to the one owned by Al Fayed, and it “seeks to put the welfare of our employees at the heart of everything we do.” The story begins in the 1980s in Knightsbridge, an affluent, exclusive district of London. It continues through the 90s, following the death of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed, Mohamed Al Fayed’s son, and into the late 2000s. The billionaire was portrayed in the popular television series The Crown, a drama about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Mohamed Al Fayed died in 2023. This season is about sexual abuse, and includes descriptions which some listeners might find distressing. World of Secrets is the home of major BBC global investigations and gripping storytelling. Holding the powerful to account and exposing scandals around the world. These are the previous seasons of World of Secrets: Season 1: The Abercrombie Guys. An investigation into claims of sexual exploitation made against the former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch. He and his British partner were accused by several men, recruited for sex events they hosted around the world. Season 2: The Disciples. The cult of Nigerian prophet TB Joshua. A story of miracles, faith and manipulation, told by people from around the world, who gave up everything for one of the most powerful religious figures of the century. Lured by TB Joshua’s claimed healing powers, and the promise that one day they could be like him, they live as disciples in a guarded Lagos compound, cut off from family and friends. Season 3: The Apartheid Killer. All the victims were black and the youngest was just 12 years old. Some relatives are still searching for the graves. They were killed during a three-year bloodbath in the 1980s, in the South African city of East London – by one person. He killed so many, he lost count. In piecing together this story, the new season of World of Secrets exposes the disturbed past and racial injustices of South Africa itself. #WorldofSecrets

See All
  1. Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods: 1. Golden opportunity

    EPISODE 1

    Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods: 1. Golden opportunity

    A dream job offer arrives from Harrods, to the surprise of debutante teenager, Cheska. Why is one of the world’s most famous luxury shops interested in her? How do they know where she lives - where to send the letter? It’s the 1990s in London. Cheska and other rich girls are being introduced to high society, as part of an centuries old tradition. What should she do next? Soon after she gets the job offer, Cheska is working in owner Mohamed Al Fayed’s personal office in London’s exclusive Park Lane. Can Al Fayed help her with her ambition to act? This season of World of Secrets is about sexual abuse, and includes descriptions which some listeners might find distressing. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline.

    29 min
  2. Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods: 5. Silenced no more

    EPISODE 5

    Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods: 5. Silenced no more

    Mohamed Al Fayed sells Harrods and retreats into a world of luxury villas and yachts. But will the women continue to stay silent about their allegations? Their stories weren’t all heard before his death but now they come together to speak out. Would the past catch up with a man who had now been portrayed in The Crown, the drama about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II? This season of World of Secrets is about sexual abuse, and includes descriptions which some listeners might find distressing. If you’ve been affected by any of the issues in this series, please contact support organisations in your own country. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline. If you are in the UK, you can also watch a BBC television documentary about the story, on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/m0023ff5

    26 min
  3. Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods: 2. Executive suite

    EPISODE 7

    Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods: 2. Executive suite

    Sophia is working in Harrods and is spotted by Mohamed Al Fayed. She’s handed an incredible career opportunity. Soon she moves to work with her billionaire boss in his executive suite. Not everything is as it seems. On the shop floor, Mohamed Al Fayed is known for the way he makes a dramatic entrance, flanked by security guards. “He’s coming, he’s coming”, staff call out, as they spring to attention. Celebrity customers in the 1990s, like pop superstar Michael Jackson, are shopping in the store. This season of World of Secrets is about sexual abuse, and includes descriptions which some listeners might find distressing. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline. Presented by Cassie Cornish-Trestrail and Shaimaa Khalil, and produced by Neal Razzell and Sally Abrahams. The editor is Matt Willis. It’s a Long Form Audio production for the BBC World Service. Special thanks to series consultant, Keaton Stone, director Erica Gornall and executive producer, Mike Radford.

    27 min
  4. Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods: 3. Paris

    EPISODE 8

    Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods: 3. Paris

    Work trips to “the city of lights” turn dark, as the extent of Mohamed Al Fayed’s power and control becomes clear. Staying in the historic Villa Windsor in Paris should have been a dream come true, but the women are left terrified. This season of World of Secrets is about sexual abuse. And this episode contains some of the most graphic descriptions. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline. Presented by Cassie Cornish-Trestrail and Shaimaa Khalil, and produced by Neal Razzell and Sally Abrahams. The editor is Matt Willis. It’s a Long Form Audio production for the BBC World Service. Special thanks to series consultant, Keaton Stone, director Erica Gornall and executive producer, Mike Radford.

    29 min
  5. Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods: 4. Surveillance state

    EPISODE 9

    Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods: 4. Surveillance state

    Security cameras were everywhere - in Harrods and in a luxury apartment used by staff. There’s an atmosphere of paranoia. Vanity Fair magazine was investigating the rumours swirling around Mohamed Al Fayed. Would the truth about him be exposed, even as potential witnesses say they were intimidated? This season of World of Secrets is about sexual abuse, and includes descriptions which some listeners might find distressing. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support for survivors of sexual abuse, go to bbc.co.uk/actionline. Presented by Cassie Cornish-Trestrail and Shaimaa Khalil, and produced by Neal Razzell and Sally Abrahams. The editor is Matt Willis. It’s a Long Form Audio production for the BBC World Service. Special thanks to series consultant, Keaton Stone, director Erica Gornall and executive producer, Mike Radford.

    29 min
See All Season 4 (5)

Shows with Subscription Benefits

  • The day’s top stories from BBC News, including the latest on the Middle East conflict – bringing you developments from Lebanon, Israel, Gaza and Iran. Delivered twice a day on weekdays, daily at weekends.

    • 4.5 (11)
    • DAILY NEWS

  • How did the planet's richest people make their billions? From celebrities and secretive CEOs to sporting legends and tech titans, Simon Jack and Zing Tsjeng find out, and then decide whether they think they’re good, bad, or just another billionaire. Ever wondered how Taylor Swift went from country singer to money-spinner? How Amazon boss Jeff Bezos came to launch one of the biggest corporations of the internet age? And how six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan made his fortune with Nike? Good Bad Billionaire is here to analyse the minds, motives and money of some of the world's wealthiest individuals. No detail is too small and no story too wild to uncover. Join us on a global journey, discovering all we can about some of the richest people on the planet. We hear about billionaires in Russia, China, New Zealand, India, Nigeria and the UK. In the United States, there are those who made their money in Silicon Valley, on Wall Street and high street fashion. Exploring the lives of Oprah Winfrey, Bill Gates, Rupert Murdoch, El Chapo, Narayana Murthy and Kim Kardashian, this podcast paints a vivid picture of business, entrepreneurship, capitalism and how our world really works. In season two, we learn how the likes of Jerry Seinfeld, Peter Jackson, Doris Fisher and George Soros came to join the billionaires' club. We explore how Tiger Woods went from a child golfing prodigy to the world’s highest paid athlete, how a communist mime artist became the boss of fashion house Prada and how Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich bought an English football club. Find out how Mukesh Ambani became Asia’s richest person, and how Patrice Motsepe became the first black billionaire in a post-apartheid South Africa. Plus, we examine some of the biggest names behind the technology shaping our world – the founders of TikTok, Google, ChatGPT, Alibaba and Bumble. But it's not just how these billionaires made their money; it's what they did with it next. Ultimately, Simon and Zing consider whether they think these people are a force for “good”, the opposite, or somewhere in between. Join Simon Jack, business editor for BBC News, and journalist, author and podcaster Zing Tsjeng as this podcast unravels tales of fortune, power, ambition and moral responsibility, and invites you to make up your own mind: are they Good, Bad, or Just Another Billionaire? New episodes released on Mondays.

    • 0.0 (0)
    • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

  • Hannah Fry and Dara Ó Briain tackle listeners' conundrums with the power of science!

    • 5.0 (1)
    • SCIENCE

  • Americast is the authoritative US news and politics podcast from the BBC. Each week we provide audiences with the best analysis from across the BBC, with on-the-ground observations and big picture insights about the stories which are defining America right now. The podcast is hosted by trusted BBC journalists including the BBC’s North America editor, Sarah Smith, BBC Radio 4 presenter, Justin Webb, the BBC’s disinformation and social media correspondent, Marianna Spring, and BBC North America correspondent, Anthony Zurcher. As well as political analysis, we also specialise in social media. Each week Marianna Spring brings listeners the latest updates from the BBC’s Undercover Voters, our award-winning investigation into the content that is recommended to US voters on social media. The team is also joined by special guests each week, like CNN anchor, Christiane Amanpour, Emmy Award-winning TV host, Rachel Maddow, and Succession actress, J Smith-Cameron. Podcasts are published every Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As well as being a podcast, we are also available every Friday night on BBC Radio 4 and every weekend on the BBC News Channel. Every Monday we answer your questions on Americanswers, with some help from special guests, including Miles Taylor, who was chief of staff at the Department for Homeland Security during the Trump presidency before becoming a whistleblower. Got a question or a comment? Get in touch with us on email at Americast@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp on +44 330 123 9480. By the way, you can now listen to Americast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say ‘”Ask BBC Sounds to play Americast”. It works on most smart speakers. See ya’ll later…

    • 0.0 (0)
    • POLITICS

  • America through the looking glass - enter a world where nothing is as it seems. As America heads into a presidential election, Gabriel Gatehouse dives back into the labyrinthine rabbit warren of American conspiracy culture. Whilst liberals across the world worry about a possible return of Donald Trump, millions of Americans are convinced that their democracy has already been highjacked - by a sinister Deep State cabal. How did this happen? And who is behind it? That's the story that Gabriel Gatehouse is investigating in this series of The Coming Storm. The search for the origins of this story takes Gabriel inside a paranoid political group that tried to build its own Deep State during the Cold War, now back in fashion in the conservative backwaters of western mountain states. Gabriel meets the January 6 rioters running for office who see their detention as political imprisonment in gulags, and the militia men convinced the CIA and FBI are working against the American people. In the background lurk the tech utopian ideologues, using their vast wealth and power to fund conspiracy flavoured content as they work to create sovereign states free of all government control. And online, amateur finance bros foment distrust of government, central banks and giant financial institutions to millions of followers. What were once fringe ideas have burst into the mainstream. Conspiracy theories have become central planks of Trump's Republican Party, while Democrats run on dark warnings about the end of democracy. With both sides convinced the other is an existential threat, what are the prospects for the survival of the American political system?

    • 0.0 (0)
    • SOCIETY & CULTURE

  • The latest news, insight, analysis and big name guests from the Premier League, WSL and the Football League, plus Scottish, International and European football. Join us! Get in touch with us @5liveSport on social media and remember to leave us your ratings and reviews.

    • 0.0 (0)
    • SPORT

Be first to hear the stories they don't want told

€2.99/month or €29.99/year

View Subscription FAQs

Hosts & Guests

About

NEW season: Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods. Egyptian billionaire Mohamed Al Fayed – then owner of one of the most famous shops in the world – is accused of rape and attempted rape by women who worked for him. Now they refuse to be silenced any longer. This is a story of power and control at the very top of British society. At the time of many of the alleged attacks, Mohamed Al Fayed was the owner of London’s luxury department store Harrods, and also the iconic Ritz Paris hotel and English football club Fulham FC. The BBC has heard testimony of over 20 women. Harrods has condemned Al Fayed’s actions “in the strongest terms” and has told the BBC that “as a business we failed our employees who were his victims and for this we sincerely apologise.” Harrods says the organisation is different today to the one owned by Al Fayed, and it “seeks to put the welfare of our employees at the heart of everything we do.” The story begins in the 1980s in Knightsbridge, an affluent, exclusive district of London. It continues through the 90s, following the death of Princess Diana and Dodi Fayed, Mohamed Al Fayed’s son, and into the late 2000s. The billionaire was portrayed in the popular television series The Crown, a drama about the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Mohamed Al Fayed died in 2023. This season is about sexual abuse, and includes descriptions which some listeners might find distressing. World of Secrets is the home of major BBC global investigations and gripping storytelling. Holding the powerful to account and exposing scandals around the world. These are the previous seasons of World of Secrets: Season 1: The Abercrombie Guys. An investigation into claims of sexual exploitation made against the former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie & Fitch. He and his British partner were accused by several men, recruited for sex events they hosted around the world. Season 2: The Disciples. The cult of Nigerian prophet TB Joshua. A story of miracles, faith and manipulation, told by people from around the world, who gave up everything for one of the most powerful religious figures of the century. Lured by TB Joshua’s claimed healing powers, and the promise that one day they could be like him, they live as disciples in a guarded Lagos compound, cut off from family and friends. Season 3: The Apartheid Killer. All the victims were black and the youngest was just 12 years old. Some relatives are still searching for the graves. They were killed during a three-year bloodbath in the 1980s, in the South African city of East London – by one person. He killed so many, he lost count. In piecing together this story, the new season of World of Secrets exposes the disturbed past and racial injustices of South Africa itself. #WorldofSecrets

Information

  • Channel
    BBC Podcasts
  • Creator
    BBC
  • Episodes
    34
  • Seasons
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © (C) BBC 2024
  • Show Website
    World Of Secrets
  • Provider

    BBC Studios Distribution Limited has identified itself as a trader for this podcast and confirmed that this product or service complies with European Union law. Address 1 Television Centre 101 Wood Lane London London W12 7FA United Kingdom Phone Number +44 7590176301 Email greg.styger@bbc.com

More From BBC Podcasts

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada