Lifting the shame that was never mine to carry

Lifting the shame that was never – A woman who claims she was sexually assaulted and trafficked by an individual linked to Mohamed Al Fayed, the late businessman, has become a focal point in an ongoing inquiry into modern slavery. Joanna Brittan, from Devon, has chosen to step out of the shadows and share her story, hoping to spark a broader conversation about the systemic failures that allowed her trauma to persist for nearly three decades.

Breaking the Silence

Joanna’s decision to go public followed years of internal struggle. She says she felt the weight of shame for almost a decade before finally speaking to the police in December 2017. At the time, she described the memories as “traumatic,” but the act of reporting them marked a turning point. Her allegations, which include multiple rapes by Ahmed Obaidly—a United Arab Emirates diplomat—and claims of trafficking connected to Al Fayed, are now under review by the National Referral Mechanism (NRM), the government’s framework for identifying potential victims of modern slavery.

“It makes me feel really excited that I can finally lift the shame that was never mine to carry,” Joanna says, reflecting on her journey from fear to clarity.

Joanna’s courage has been amplified by the recent death of Obaidly, who had been central to the case, and the passing of Al Fayed in 2023. However, she believes the investigation should not stop there. “Obaidly and Al Fayed should have come to justice,” she states. “If those who enabled the abuse are now held accountable, maybe something can still change.”

The Unfolding of a Dark Chapter

In 1990, Joanna returned to the UK after working in Qatar, eager to begin a new chapter. She applied for a position managing the estate of a UAE royal, a role that would eventually entangle her in a web of exploitation. What began as a promising opportunity quickly turned into a nightmare, according to her account. She recalls being subjected to pressure from her recruiter, who insisted on testing her for sexually transmitted infections at the UAE embassy. “It was disgusting,” she explains. “She bullied me. She said there was no job unless I agreed. It wasn’t a perk, it was compulsory.”

The trauma escalated when Obaidly offered her accommodation, a gesture that masked his intent. “He came in at night when I was asleep,” Joanna recounts. “There was no way to escape. I felt myself leaving my body. I described it to police as if I was watching from the ceiling.” She says she remained in the situation due to the power of her employers and her sense of loyalty, compounded by the fear of being homeless.

Months later, a conflict with her recruiter led to her dismissal. She was forced to sign a non-disclosure agreement, which she says was used to silence her. Shortly after, Obaidly took her to meet Al Fayed at Harrods, where she was treated as a spectacle. “I didn’t know why I was there,” she admits. “I wasn’t taking notes, I wasn’t a PA. I felt like I was being paraded like a trophy.”

From there, Joanna was driven to Al Fayed’s Surrey estate in a locked limousine. She claims she was threatened and pressured to take on the role of a nanny, with no clear recollection of how she left the property or how long she stayed. “I have a memory gap,” she says, suspecting she may have been drugged during that time. “These allegations… were made years before recent widespread reporting,” she emphasizes, highlighting the delayed recognition of her suffering.

Metropolitan Police Investigation

The Met police have acknowledged Joanna’s case as part of a live investigation into individuals who may have facilitated or enabled Al Fayed’s alleged offenses. Despite the lack of immediate action in 2017—when Obaidly had already died in 2015 and Al Fayed was still alive—Joanna believes the current legal framework offers a chance for justice. She points out that modern trafficking laws were not in place during the time of the incidents, but the police say their methods have “moved on immeasurably” since then.

Joanna’s recent reinterview and NRM referral have reignited the case, prompting renewed calls for a wider inquiry. Her willingness to speak out has also inspired others. Another anonymous woman, who was assaulted in 1989 by Al Fayed’s brother, Salah, and a companion, shared her story after receiving a photograph from Joanna. This connection underscores the possibility of a network of abuse spanning multiple decades.

A Legacy of Inaction

The case has revealed gaps in how historical allegations are handled. While Joanna’s statement was submitted to the Metropolitan Police in 2017, the lack of evidence at the time—and the deaths of the key figures—delayed further action. Now, with the NRM evaluating her claims, the focus has shifted to the systems that failed to act earlier. “If those who allowed it to happen are finally held accountable,” Joanna says, “then maybe something can still change.”

Her story is a testament to the resilience of survivors and the importance of public acknowledgment. By sharing her experiences, Joanna aims to dismantle the stigma she once carried. She hopes to create a ripple effect, encouraging others to come forward and ensuring that the legacy of abuse is no longer ignored. As the Met police continue their investigation, the case remains a symbol of the ongoing struggle for justice in the realm of modern slavery and sexual exploitation.

The broader scrutiny of Al Fayed’s associations has brought renewed attention to the role of international networks in perpetuating abuse. Joanna’s allegations, though personal, highlight a pattern that may have affected countless others. Her journey from victim to advocate serves as a powerful reminder of the need for systemic reform and the courage required to break the silence.