Harrods appoints lawyer for survivors after Al Fayed allegations

Harrods has appointed a lawyer for survivors following allegations of sexual misconduct against former owner Mohamed Al Fayed.

Al Fayed, who died last year aged 94, was accused of sexual assault by more than 20 women in a BBC documentary and podcast in September.

In her role, human rights campaigner Dame Jasvinder Sanghera will meet “as many survivors as possible” and guide them through the retailer’s compensation process, which Harrods said more than 290 people were “involved”.

Justice for Harrods Survivors, which represents some of the accusers, said “only a truly independent, robust and transparent process” could meet the needs of survivors.

Since the first complaints came to light, more and more women have come forward with allegations of sexual assault, harassment and rape over a period of more than 30 years while they were Al Fayed employees.

The allegations relate to abuse alleged to have taken place at Fulham FC, the Ritz Hotel Paris, Harrods and other places owned by Al Fayed.

Law firm Leigh Day said a total of more than 100 women had been contacted in recent days.

The luxury department store said Dame Jasvinder’s appointment was an extension of its claims process, which “includes advice, as well as the payment of all reasonable legal costs incurred by claimants”.

In a statement, Dame Jasvinder said survivors “deserve representation from someone who genuinely understands and puts their interests first.”

She added: “It is clear that Mohamed Al Fayed was a predator who exploited his position and power to systematically abuse women in a variety of settings.

“I am honored to be part of this project because I fundamentally believe that Harrods wants to get this right.”

Harrods said Dame Jasvinder would help provide “wider trauma-informed support” through her experience supporting women affected by sexual abuse.

Last Thursday, Justice for Harrods Survivors said at a press conference in London There had been contact with more than 400 alleged victims and witnesses.

Most of the 421 claims were related to Harrods, but others related to incidents at Fulham FC and the Ritz Paris hotel, which Al Fayed also owned at the time of the alleged attacks, the group said.

The survivors included people from Britain, America, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia, the lawyers added.

Al Fayed: Predator at Harrodswhich aired in September, heard testimonies from more than 20 female ex-employees at Harrods.

The documentary and podcast reveal that during Al Fayed’s time as owner, Harrods not only failed to intervene, but also helped cover up allegations of abuse.

Responding to the investigation, Harrods’ current owners said they were “utterly shocked” by the allegations and that his victims had been let down – for which the store sincerely apologized.