Hidden stories of exploitation in fame and fortune are currently being brought to light after years of avoidance and covering up by those in high society. Individuals who once defined elite society and power are finally being exposed, with the perfect pictures they once painted of themselves being erased.

Many who at first were silenced have now found their voice and courage to speak up and share the true realities behind their experiences with individuals such as Mohammed Al-Fayed and P. Diddy.

Mohammed Al-Fayed, an Egyptian billionaire businessman, is linked to both Middle Eastern and British high society, having famously owned Hôtel Ritz Paris and Harrods department store in London. His association to the British Royal Family, with his son Dodi Al-Fayed being in the car crash that also killed Princess Diana, skyrocketed his fame.

During his ownership of Harrods, there were multiple allegations of sexual assault, but all were shut down or dismissed.

Buried beneath his elaborate lifestyle, countless harassments, assault and rape cases lay unbeknownst to the public. Power and money were the ultimate wool he used to pull over everyone’s eyes.

Following his Death in August 2023, the BBC heard over 20 testimonies from women sharing their stories ranging from sexual harassment to rape. The number has now increased to around 60 women.

Achieving success and power aided Mohammed Al-Fayed in his exploitation of women. The abuse of Power by Al-Fayed resulted in the unprecedented harm of many women, and ultimately his downfall.

Sean ‘P. Diddy’ Combs is an American rapper, music producer and entrepreneur. P. Diddy is an influential and well-known figure in the music industry, known for his contributions to R&B and hip-hop. He has recently been charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution.

As a result of the #MeToo movement and questions on the abuse of power in settings such as the entertainment industry, figures such as P. Diddy have been the focus of conversation.

With power, comes control

He has been able to twist narratives and ensure loyalty from those who may benefit from his empire. He has been able to control those below him, using careers and their finances as leverage. His connections and friendships within the industry have allowed his actions over the decades to be mostly unknown by the public. Some celebrities such as Floyd Mayweather and Stevie J have defended P. Diddy since the allegations have been made public.

With recent stories coming to light, details of his alleged ‘freak offs’ have been exposed, a term that refers to elaborate sex performances produced by the disgraced mogul for his own entertainment, giving victim’s controlled substances so they wouldn’t fight the abuse.

At the core of exploitation is power imbalance

P. Diddy and Mohammed Al-Fayed embody what it is to be powerful. Victims often don’t speak up about their experiences due to fear of retaliation or being disregarded as false accusations. These two once-powerful figures had power, money and resources on their side and control over their victim’s life.

With the victims recently speaking up and sharing their stories, justice can hopefully be served. The stories of both lives hopefully rewritten to represent the true nature of Mohammed Al-Fayed and P. Diddy, and all truths uncovered.

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