Sexual abuse perpetrated by Mohamed Al-Fayed: Claiming compensation
APRIL 2025 UPDATE
A compensatory redress scheme has now been launched by Harrods to deal with claims against the company for abuse perpetrated by former chairman, Mohammed Fayed. The development of the redress scheme involved consultation with leading solicitors representing survivors, including our own abuse team.
Applicants are recommended to obtain independent legal advice, and Harrods’ legal representatives have published a list of five law firms who played an important part in the scheme consultation and who are committed to ensuring survivors receive 100% of their damages for applications that remain within the Scheme.
We are one of those five law firms.
So, for expert legal guidance on making a Harrods abuse compensation claim and keeping every penny awarded to you under the redress scheme, contact our free legal helpline on 0333 888 0445 or send an email in total confidence to [email protected]
Allegations against the late Mohamed Fayed, former owner of Harrods, have cast a dark shadow over his legacy. A BBC investigation has revealed that more than 20 women have come forward with claims that Al Fayed sexually assaulted or raped them while they were employed by Harrods. These women recount harrowing experiences of abuse that took place at his London properties and during business trips abroad, including his Paris residence. Some of the victims claim that Harrods, under Al Fayed’s leadership, not only failed to intervene but actively helped cover up the abuse.
These revelations bring to light important questions about the responsibility of employers when sexual assault and abuse occur within a workplace setting. At Slee Blackwell Solicitors, we specialise in supporting victims of workplace sexual assault and can assist survivors in pursuing justice through personal injury and abuse claims.
Mohamed Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods
The BBC documentary Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods has detailed shocking allegations from numerous former employees, many of whom claim they were subjected to sexual assault and rape by Al Fayed. Some of these women were as young as teenagers at the time of the abuse. The pattern of predatory behaviour is said to have spanned decades and occurred not only in London but also at his properties in Paris, St Tropez, and Abu Dhabi. Victims describe a toxic culture where female employees lived in fear, and many felt they had no choice but to endure the abuse.
One such victim, referred to as Melanie, worked at Harrods in her early twenties. She was invited to a work meeting at Al Fayed’s apartment on London’s Park Lane, where he groped her and made lewd comments. Her experience mirrors those of many other women who recount being manipulated or coerced into private meetings where they were assaulted.
It has also been reported that some Harrods employees were handpicked by Al-Fayed based on their appearance and moved to positions in his personal offices, where they were subjected to regular abuse. In many cases, it appears that Harrods failed to act, despite the clear evidence of abuse. This culture of fear, manipulation, and intimidation allowed Fayed to carry out his assaults unchecked.
Employer responsibility: Harrods’ role in the cover-up
The allegations against Harrods under Al-Fayed’s ownership extend beyond the assaults themselves. The BBC have suggested that Harrods failed to intervene to protect employees and may have played an active role in covering up the abuse. Survivors recount how complaints were dismissed, and attempts to raise concerns were thwarted. This failure to act makes Harrods, as an employer, complicit in the abuse and potentially liable for the trauma inflicted on its employees.
Under UK law, employers have a legal duty to provide a safe working environment for their staff. This includes protecting them from sexual harassment and abuse. When an employer fails to meet this obligation, they can be held accountable in civil claims for failing to protect their employees. The claims against Harrods highlight the importance of holding companies to account when they enable or fail to prevent abuse in the workplace.
Making a Harrods abuse compensation claim with us
We are specialists in abuse law and familiar with the complex legal issues that can arise in these cases. Our compassionate approach ensures that survivors feel supported throughout the legal process, and we work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Our abuse team, led by partner Elizabeth Duncan, has won national recognition for its work, including awards from the NSPCC. We offer a FREE national helpline for abuse survivors, where they can speak to our team in complete confidence and without obligation.
The Harrods Redress Scheme: 100% compensation guaranteed
A compensatory redress scheme has been launched by Harrods to deal with claims against the company. The development of the redress scheme involved consultation with leading solicitors representing survivors, including our own abuse team.
We are one of the five firms on a list published by Harrods’ legal representatives of solicitors who played an important part in the scheme consultation and who are committed to ensuring survivors receive 100% of their damages for applications that remain within the Scheme.
The Scheme is proposed as a without prejudice form of Alternative Dispute Resolution to provide fair, reasonable and swift redress. It is intended to provide survivors with a trauma informed alternative to traditional court-based litigation, which can often re-traumatise survivors.