Episodes
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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.
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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.
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.
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Missing episodes?
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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.
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.
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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.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.
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A dream job offer arrives from Harrods, to the surprise of debutant 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.
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.
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"I thought I was gonna die." A man fears for his life after attending an Abercrombie Guys event. Mike Jeffries time as Abercrombie and Fitch CEO comes to an abrupt end, marking the end of an era. Meanwhile, in 2024 the allegations against him and Matthew Smith continue to mount. "The courtroom is where we will deal with this matter," say their lawyers. #worldofsecrets
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The FBI is investigating following allegations made in World of Secrets. The Abercrombie Guys vehemently deny wrongdoing and an old acquaintance comes to their defence, with a different side of the story. "Which one’s true? The audience will have to decide," he says. Meanwhile another man reports what happened when he went on a luxury cruise with Mike Jeffries and Matthew Smith - and says he faced the consequences of saying no to the former Abercrombie boss. #WorldofSecrets
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How many people did Louis van Schoor really kill? We reveal he carried out many more shootings than he was tried for. He said the police knew about them and supported him – that he had been made a scapegoat. Did he feel any remorse? What of the family of Edward Soenies, murdered by van Schoor? After 35 years, how have they tried to re-build their lives? The van Schoor case represents one of many apartheid crimes. It was part of a much wider, systematic terror - the legacy of which has left a trail of trauma still being felt across South Africa today. Since this episode was recorded, it has been announced that Louis van Schoor died, on 25 July 2024. This was a four-year investigation and the interviews with Louis van Schoor were recorded in 2022 and 2023.
Please note, this episode of World of Secrets includes descriptions of death and violence, which some listeners may find distressing.
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The reckoning of Louis van Schoor. Can justice be done or would he be cleared of the killings? This is the inside story of what was one of South Africa’s biggest criminal trials – van Schoor faces multiple charges of murder. We hear the original audio tapes from the courtroom. The police said that he was justified in using maximum force.
Since this episode was recorded, it has been announced that Louis van Schoor died, on 25 July 2024. There will be more about this in the final episode. This was a four-year investigation and the interviews with Louis van Schoor were recorded in 2022 and 2023.
Please note, this episode of World of Secrets includes descriptions of violence, which some listeners may find distressing.
Season 3 of World of Secrets is a collaboration with the BBC World Service investigations unit, Africa Eye. Here’s a link to the BBC Africa Eye film, which we recommend you watch after listening to this podcast: https://youtu.be/QPB42_uLLh0If you are in the UK, you can watch on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0021dvm
#WorldofSecrets
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Can the reign of terror of Louis van Schoor be stopped? There was a state of emergency in South Africa and resistance to the apartheid regime had intensified. A coalition of activists had him in their sights. African National Congress supporters, lawyers and journalists were fighting to bring the apartheid system to an end and, in turn, bring mass murderer van Schoor to justice. Could they succeed?
Since this episode was recorded, it has been announced that Louis van Schoor died, on 25 July 2024. There will be more about this later in the series. This was a four-year investigation and the interviews with Louis van Schoor were recorded in 2022 and 2023.
Please note, this episode of World of Secrets includes descriptions of violence and torture, which some listeners may find distressing.
Season 3 of World of Secrets is a collaboration with the BBC World Service investigations unit, Africa Eye. Here’s a link to the BBC Africa Eye film, which we recommend you watch after listening to this podcast: https://youtu.be/QPB42_uLLh0
If you are in the UK, you can watch on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0021dvm
#WorldofSecrets
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The making of mass murderer Louis van Schoor. The “apartheid killer” was part of a system which enabled the shootings as “justifiable homicide”. As we investigate one of his most horrific crimes, we begin to expose the web of lies surrounding the killings and ask: how were they covered up?
Since this episode was recorded, it has been announced that Louis van Schoor died, on 25 July 2024. There will be more about this later in the series. This was a four-year investigation and the interviews with Louis van Schoor were recorded in 2022 and 2023.
Please note, this episode of World of Secrets includes descriptions of violence and torture, which some listeners may find distressing.
Season 3 of World of Secrets is a collaboration with the BBC World Service investigations unit, Africa Eye. Here’s a link to the BBC Africa Eye film, which we recommend you watch after listening to this podcast: https://youtu.be/QPB42_uLLh0
If you are in the UK, you can watch on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0021dvm
#WorldofSecrets
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Who killed Edward and so many others? His name was Louis van Schoor and we found him. Some people see one of South Africa’s most prolific mass killers as a hero. Would the “apartheid killer” admit to the multiple shootings and killings?Hosted by Ayanda Charlie and Charlie Northcott.
Since this episode was recorded, it has been announced that Louis van Schoor died, on 25 July 2024. There will be more about this later in the series. This was a four-year investigation and the interviews with Louis van Schoor were recorded in 2022 and 2023.
Please note, this episode of World of Secrets includes descriptions of death and violence, which some listeners may find distressing.
Season 3 of World of Secrets is a collaboration with the BBC World Service investigations unit, Africa Eye. Here’s a link to the BBC Africa Eye film, which we recommend you watch after listening to this podcast: https://youtu.be/QPB42_uLLh0If you are in the UK, you can watch on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0021dvm
#WorldofSecrets
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Who was Edward and how did he die? His body is exhumed in East London, South Africa. His heartbroken family has waited decades to find out what happened to him.
Edward Soenies wasn’t the only one killed in East London after dark in apartheid South Africa in the 1980s. We have spent years investigating.Hosts Ayanda Charlie and Charlie Northcott begin to unravel what happened. They hear from investigative journalist, Isa Jacobsen and Edward’s sister and son, Marlene and Raymond.
Since this episode was recorded, it has been announced that the “apartheid killer” Louis van Schoor died, on 25 July 2024. There will be more about this later in the series and you will hear interviews with him in future episodes.
Please note, this season of World of Secrets includes descriptions about death and violence, including torture, which some listeners may find distressing. It also contains very strong language.
The audio for this episode was updated on 19 August 2024 to remove an error about the South African army under apartheid.
Season 3 of World of Secrets is a collaboration with the BBC World Service investigations unit, Africa Eye. Here’s a link to the BBC Africa Eye film, which we recommend you watch after listening to this podcast: https://youtu.be/QPB42_uLLh0If you are in the UK, you can watch on BBC iPlayer: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0021dvm
#WorldofSecrets
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Four more seasons of World of Secrets will be released in 2024, starting with The Apartheid Killer.
All the victims were black and the youngest was just 12 years old. Some relatives are still searching for the graves. During a three-year bloodbath in the 1980s, at least 39 people were killed in the South African city of East London – by one person. After years of investigation, we’ve tracked him down. It has been three decades since the white supremacist apartheid regime crumbled. The unresolved trauma of this time has cast a long shadow across a nation. In piecing together this story, the new season of World of Secrets will expose the disturbed past and racial injustices of South Africa itself.
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Inside the investigation – the story of the journalism behind The Disciples. Hear from the journalists and the whistleblowers about the investigation into TB Joshua. A special episode with season 2 presenters Charlie Northcott and Yemisi Adegoke, producer Rob Byrne, and whistleblowers Rae and Ajoke.
Hosted by Hannah Ajala, presenter of "Love, Janessa", and recorded in front of an audience at “World Service Presents” in London.
Plus we hear from the presenter of the first season of World of Secrets, Rianna Croxford, about how she investigated allegations of sexual exploitation made against the former CEO of fashion giant Abercrombie and Fitch.
Season 2 of World of Secrets is a story of miracles, faith and manipulation – the cult of Nigerian prophet, TB Joshua. Watch the Africa Eye TV documentaries about the investigation: https://bit.ly/BBCDisciples Content warning: This episode contains references to sexual, physical and psychological abuse.
If you've been affected by any of the issues in this podcast, 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/actionlineIf you are suffering distress and need support, details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide: www.befrienders.org
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The secret daughter of TB Joshua, who dared to rebel against her prophet father. Ajoke was born to a different mother than her sisters, and disciples have told us how she fought back against the prophet. Two years ago, we tracked her down but we weren’t able to use the recording – until now. She tells us her story.
Hosts Charlie Northcott and Yemisi Adegoke unravel a story of miracles, faith and manipulation, carried out by one of the most powerful religious figures of the century.
Please note, some episodes in this series of World of Secrets contain graphic descriptions of sexual and physical violence, including sexual assault, rape and the language associated with it.
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/actionlineIf you are suffering distress and need support, details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide: www.befrienders.org
Archive: SABC, Channels TV, Emmanuel TV
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People are trapped under rubble in the Lagos church compound. The eyes of the world are now on TB Joshua. Beneath the collapsed building is 23-year-old Princess, from South Africa. Her mother says she’s told: “just pray”. Disciple Emmanuel goes to the scene. “You could hear people, and their voices are fading. From louder, it’s getting weaker.” As suspicion about the cause of the collapse intensifies, Nigeria’s president, Goodluck Jonathan, flies in to offer his condolences to TB Joshua and the bereaved families. Meanwhile, the prophet gives a bizarre explanation.
Hosts Charlie Northcott and Yemisi Adegoke unravel a story of miracles, faith and manipulation, carried out by one of the most powerful religious figures of the century.
Please note, this season of World of Secrets contains graphic descriptions of sexual and physical violence, including sexual assault, rape and the language associated with it.
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
Archive: Channels TV, Associated Press, CGTN Africa, The Synagogue Church of All Nations, Emmanuel TV, TV360, MrBallu58
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A once loyal disciple and recruiter for TB Joshua speaks out. Bisola’s video emerges on the internet - she calls it Deception of the Age. For the prophet, it’s betrayal. He won’t let go and delves into his archive of confessions to try and discredit her. Other disciples are frightened, including Rae.
Hosts Charlie Northcott and Yemisi Adegoke unravel a story of miracles, faith and manipulation, carried out by one of the most powerful religious figures of the century.
Please note, this season of World of Secrets contains graphic descriptions of sexual and physical violence, including sexual assault, rape and the language associated with it.
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/actionlineIf you are suffering distress and need support, details of help available in many countries can be found at Befrienders Worldwide: www.befrienders.org
Archive: Emmanuel TV
#WorldofSecrets
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Healer or fraud? The truth about TB Joshua, whose miracles made him rich and famous. Videos show doctors testifying to his unexplainable ability to cure the sick. From restoring sight and the ability to walk, nothing seemed beyond the prophet’s power. But behind the miracles is a secret machine run by TB Joshua’s most trusted disciples. And some of them are turning whistleblowers. What was the human cost of these so-called miracles?
Hosts Charlie Northcott and Yemisi Adegoke unravel a story of miracles, faith and manipulation, carried out by one of the most powerful religious figures of the century. Please note, some episodes in this season of World of Secrets contain graphic descriptions of sexual and physical violence, including sexual assault, rape and the language associated with it. This episode also includes very strong language.
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
Archive: The Synagogue Church of All Nations, Emmanuel TV, JesusSetsFree, mightymiracles, Sky News
#WorldofSecrets
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Anneka confronts TB Joshua. What really happened in his fifth-floor apartment at the top of the Lagos church compound? And can she escape his clutches? Anneka flees home to England but her ordeal isn’t over. TB Joshua sends one of his most trusted disciples to bring her back. “I knew she’d been sent to take me,” Anneka says.
Hosts Charlie Northcott and Yemisi Adegoke unravel a story of miracles, faith and manipulation, carried out by one of the most powerful religious figures of the century.
Please note, this season of World of Secrets contains graphic descriptions of sexual and physical violence, including sexual assault, rape and the language associated with it. This episode includes descriptions of forced abortions.
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
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