60 'survivors' accuse ex-Harrods boss Al-Fayed of sex abuse: lawyers

Over 60 women accuse former Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed of sexual abuse, sparking police investigation and legal action.

Around 60 women have now come forward to allege they were sexually abused by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed, lawyers representing them said on Friday (September 27, 2024).

"The response has simply been enormous... We can confirm that we now represent 60 survivors as part of our claim, with more to come," the lawyers said in a statement.

British police called on Thursday for anyone with allegations against former Harrods owner Mohamed Al-Fayed to come forward and said it would look to prosecute others after multiple women accused the late billionaire of sexual abuse and rape.

A BBC documentary aired last week said Al-Fayed had sexually abused female staff at his London department store Harrods and had threatened them if they tried to complain. It said the company had failed to intervene and helped to cover up abuse allegations during his ownership from 1985 to 2010.

Although Al-Fayed himself died last year, aged 94, London’s Metropolitan Police said it would explore whether any other individuals could be pursued for criminal offences.

“It is vital that any victims have a voice and are able to report any allegations if they have not done so before, and know that they will be taken seriously,” said Stephen Clayman, head of specialist crime at the Metropolitan Police.

“We have specialist teams to ensure all those victims who make contact with us are supported in the best way possible.”