Harrods could be set to payout “six-figure” lump sums to women who have come forward and made claims of abuse by former boss Mohamed al Fayed. Sky News reports potential claimants may be eligible for “lump sums of up to £110,000 or £200,000” depending on their agreement to undergo psychiatric assessment arranged by a legal firm handling the case.
And it’s understood some of those who submit to a “medical pathway” addressing their claim could receive up to £300,000. In a statement to Express.co.uk, Harrods said it would be “premature” to comment on the nature and details of the scheme under consultation. A spokesperson added: “We are actively inviting the valuable input from Survivors and their legal representatives to establish the final scheme that aims to be survivor-first, trauma-informed, and fair in its approach to compensation. Further updates will be provided once the consultation period is complete.”
Multiple ex-Harrods employees have accused Al Fayed, the Egyptian billionaire who owned the luxury department store for more than 25 years, of rape and sexual assault.
Al Fayed, who mingled with royals, celebrities and politicians, is understood to have wielded immense power over employees and target female staff for decades. He died aged 94 in August 2023.
In September last year the BBC aired the documentary ‘Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods’ heard from testimony from over 20 survivors of abuse, with 13 featured in the film.
At the time of many of the alleged attacks, Al Fayed was the owner of London’s luxury department store Harrods, the iconic Ritz Paris hotel and English football club Fulham FC.
In a statement addressing the findings of the BBC documentary and subsequent legal claims, Harrods said: “We are utterly appalled by the allegations of abuse perpetrated by Mohamed Al Fayed. These were the actions of an individual who was intent on abusing his power wherever he operated and we condemn them in the strongest terms. We also acknowledge that during this time as a business we failed our employees who were his victims and for this we sincerely apologise.
“The Harrods of today is a very different organisation to the one owned and controlled by Al Fayed between 1985 and 2010, it is one that seeks to put the welfare of our employees at the heart of everything we do. This is why, since new information came to light in 2023 about historic allegations of sexual abuse by Al Fayed, it has been our priority to settle claims in the quickest way possible, avoiding lengthy legal proceedings for the women involved.”
A process is still available for any current or former Harrods employees via this link given out by the company.
The 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line: Free, specialist and confidential support delivered by Rape Crisis England & Wales.
Call 0808 500 2222 or visit the 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line to chat online or find out more.
The 24/7 Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Line is a free, confidential emotional support and listening service for anyone over the age of 16 affected by sexual violence or abuse living in England and Wales. This includes people of all genders.
The Support Line, funded by UK Government and delivered by Rape Crisis England & Wales, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is accessible through phone and online chat, with additional online resources.
The Survivors Trust: Provides confidential information, advice and support for people who have experienced rape and sexual violence.
The Survivors Trust
Phone: 0808 801 0818
Operating hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10am to 12.30pm, 1.30pm to 3pm and 6pm to 8pm
Friday: 10am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3pm
Saturday: 10am to 12:30pm
Sunday: 6pm to 8pm
Galop: A UK LGBT+ anti-abuse charity, provides a dedicated sexual violence helpline for LGBT+ people who have experienced sexual assault, violence or abuse, however or whenever it happened.
Victims can contact the Helpline by phone (0800 999 5428) or via email help@galop.org.uk.
Galop’s Rape and Sexual Abuse Helpline is available Monday to Thursday,10am to 8pm, and Friday 10am to 4pm.
