More then 250 people in Harrods' process to settle Al Fayed claims

The Knightsbridge department store has apologised.

More than 250 people are part of Harrods' process to settle claims over alleged historical sexual misconduct by Mohamed Al Fayed.
Author: Aileen O'SullivanPublished 22nd Oct 2024

Harrods has said more than 250 people are part of its process to settle compensation claims over alleged historic sexual misconduct by Mohamed Al Fayed.

The London department store said it had "settled a number of claims with women" made against its former owner since last year.

It added that since the airing of a BBC documentary last month, there were more than 250 individuals "now in the Harrods process to settle claims directly with the business".

The former owner of Harrods died in 2023

The BBC's Al Fayed: Predator At Harrods documentary reported the claims of five women who said they were raped by Mr Al Fayed, who died in 2023 at the age of 94, with a number of others alleging sexual misconduct.

In a statement, Harrods said: "Since 2023, Harrods settled a number of claims with women who alleged historic sexual misconduct by Fayed.

"Since the airing of the documentary, so far there are over 250-plus individuals who are now in the Harrods' process to settle claims directly with the business."

More women coming forward 'daily'

Earlier this month, the group Justice For Harrods Survivors said the number of women "feeling safe to come forward" was "increasing on a daily basis".

Paul Gascgoine's daughter Bianca claims she was a victim while working at Harrods.

The model says she was 16 at the time, and never told her parents about what was going on.

She says she now wants to speak out, so other woman feel confident enough to come forward.

Detailed Review

On Saturday, Scotland Yard said a "detailed and thorough" review of allegations against Mr Al Fayed was taking place, amid criticism of their actions in response to women who said they had been abused.

The Metropolitan Police asked prosecutors to decide whether to charge Mr Al Fayed, who was also the owner of Fulham FC, in relation to two out of 21 women who made allegations, including of rape and sexual assault, between 2005 and 2023.

Evidence was shown to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) in 2009 and 2015, but it decided not to go ahead with either case because there was not "a realistic prospect of conviction".

The Metropolitan Police sought "early investigative advice" from the CPS after 10 other allegations, but no further action was taken.

Mr Al Fayed acquired Harrods for £615 million in 1985.

In 2010, after 26 years in charge, he sold the department store to the Qatari royal family for a reported £1.5 billion.

Justice For Harrods Survivors has been approached for comment.

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