Al-Fayed Harrods abuse revelations see 150 more people speak out
Luxury department store Harrods is facing intense scrutiny for its “systemic failure of corporate responsibility” after 20 women alleged serious sexual misconduct at the hands of former owner, Mohamed Al Fayed.
Another 150 people have come forward to share their experiences with Al Fayed since the allegations were aired in BBC documentary ‘Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods’ earlier in September.
And more still may be encouraged to speak out after Harrods waived all non-disclosure agreements relating to abuse.
Many of the victims who came forward were employed as personal assistants to Al Fayed during his 25-year tenure at Harrods, which spanned from 1985 and 2010. The allegations detailed in the documentary are deeply disturbing, including claims of serial rape, attempted rape, sexual battery and sexual abuse of minors. The incidents are alleged to have occurred both within Harrods and on work-related trips, as well as at Al Fayed’s residence in London.
Concerningly, Harrods has been accused of covering up the abuse and failing to intervene.
Throughout the period when the alleged abuse took place, Al Fayed was regarded as a prominent businessman, with links to senior figures in Parliament and the Royal Family.
The Metropolitan Police conducted investigations into Al Fayed in 2008, 2013 and 2015 after allegations of indecent assault and rape. Although the cases were presented to the Crown Prosecution Service, no prosecution followed.
In 2018, 2021 and 2023, the Crown Prosecution Service provided early investigative advice to the Metropolitan Police in relation to further allegations of sexual misconduct; however, no further action was taken.
Before his death in August 2023, Al Fayed consistently denied the allegations, labelling them “outrageous and untrue”.
Dean Armstrong KC, legal representative for the victims, has criticised Harrods for “a systemic failure of corporate responsibility”. In response to the allegations, Harrods said it is committed to “settling claims in the quickest way possible, avoiding lengthy legal proceedings for the women involved”.
The company has reportedly admitted vicarious liability for Al Fayed’s conduct to aid the settlement process, having consulted independent external counsel and personal injury litigation experts.
Harrods has had no outstanding claims to address since the documentary was released, however more than 150 people have since come forward as either survivors or to share evidence, prompting Harrods to commit to addressing these matters “swiftly and carefully”.
As well as confirming it would not enforce any non-disclosure agreements previously signed during the timeframe of the alleged abuse, Harrods also said it will not require non-disclosure agreements as part of its settlements with the victims. These decisions may encourage further victims to speak up in the coming months.
In a recent statement, Harrods said its current staff are “utterly appalled” by the allegations, acknowledging Al Fayed’s victims were “failed”. The statement emphasised that while the past cannot be undone, work is being done to align the organisation with modernised values and ensure no further individuals are harmed.
Additionally, Harrods has confirmed the initiation of an internal review to ascertain whether any of the current staff were involved in any of the allegations, either directly or indirectly. London football club, Fulham FC, owned by Al Fayed for more than 15 years, has also announced plans to conduct an internal investigation to ensure no employees have been affected.
Sexual abuse should never be tolerated. If you have been the victim of sexual misconduct in the workplace, we encourage you to reach out to Bolt Burdon Kemp for a free and confidential conversation with one of our experts.
