Gemma, Lindsay, and Jen, alleged victims, react during the Justice for Harrods Survivors press conference in London, Britain, on October 31, 2024. — Reuters
Over 400 women and witnesses have recently come forward alleging sexual misconduct by the late Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed, UK lawyers revealed on Thursday. These allegations surfaced after a BBC documentary in September exposed multiple claims of rape and sexual assault by the former owner of the prestigious London department store. The Justice for Harrods Survivors group reported receiving 421 inquiries, primarily concerning the store but also involving Fulham football club, the Ritz Hotel in Paris, and other entities.
"The extensive abuse committed by Al Fayed and enabled by those close to him, regrettably, continues to escalate," lawyer Dean Armstrong stated at a news conference. The billionaire Egyptian businessman, who passed away in August last year at 94, acquired Harrods in 1985, six years after purchasing the Ritz in the French capital. He also bought Fulham in 1997.
Armstrong's colleague, Bruce Drummond, noted that most alleged victims and witnesses were from the United Kingdom, but they were receiving contacts "from all around the world." "Every young woman in his sphere was a potential target," Drummond said. The Justice for Harrods Survivors group has sent its initial letter of claim to Harrods, marking the start of the formal legal process. "This will be followed by hundreds more," Armstrong added.
Harrods has acknowledged being contacted by over 250 individuals seeking to negotiate an out-of-court settlement. London's Metropolitan Police force has been contacted by 60 people, with accusations dating back to 1979. The alleged assaults are said to have persisted for over 30 years, until 2013. Fayed was one of Britain's most renowned businessmen. His son Dodi died in a 1997 Paris car crash alongside Princess Diana, the former wife of King Charles III.
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