Harrods in talks with more than 250 people seeking compensation over Mohamed Al Fayed sexual misconduct allegations

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Harrods in talks with more than 250 people seeking compensation over Mohamed Al Fayed sexual misconduct allegations

时间：2024-10-23 12:15 来源：未知作者：admin 阅读：次

By Tessa Flemming

Topic:Law, Crime and Justice

Mohamed Al Fayed was accused of sexually assaulting more than 20 ex-Harrods staff members.

In short:

London's luxury Harrods department store says it is engaging with more than 250 people who are seeking claims for compensation, alleging historical sexual assault by former owner Mohamed Al Fayed.

Sixty more people have come forward to police with allegations against Al Fayed.

What's next?

Scotland Yard detectives will review the new information and allegations.

London's luxury Harrods department store says it is engaging with more than 250 people who are seeking claims for compensation, alleging historical sexual assault by former owner Mohamed Al Fayed.

The store told the BBC the women had come forward since the UK news outlet published allegations from more than 20 female ex-Harrods staff members, who claimed Mr Al Fayed had sexually assaulted them.

Harrods had previously said it had already settled a number of claims.

"Since the airing of the documentary, so far there are over 250 individuals who are now in Harrods' process to settle claims directly with the business," the store said in a statement to The Guardian.

The billionaire, who died last year aged 94, owned the Brompton Road brand between 1985 and 2010.

Mr Al Fayed's wealth, eccentricity and celebrity connections made him a household name in the UK, as did his links to Princess Diana.

His son Dodi was romantically involved with the royal, but both were killed in a 1997 Paris car crash.

Harrods says it is in the process of settling more than 250 compensation claims.

Scotland Yard approached by 60 more alleged victims

The settlement reports come amid a renewed investigation into Mr Al Fayed by Scotland Yard.

The Metropolitan Police said following the BBC report and public appeals, 60 more people had come to officers with allegations.

On Saturday, the London police department said detectives were continuing to "build a fuller picture around the previous allegations against Al Fayed" and review new information.

Commander Stephen Clayman thanked those who had since come forward.

"We recognise the significance of the allegations and it is right that a detailed and thorough review takes place on previous allegations," he said.

"And while we know that it isn't possible to bring criminal proceedings against someone that has died, our priority is to give any potential victim-survivors a voice and ensure they receive the right care and support."

A further 60 people have come forward with allegation against Al Fayed.

Between 2005 and 2023, police received 21 separate allegations against Mr Al Fayed.

Investigators sought "early investigative advice" from prosecutors around tens of these allegations, but no further action was taken.

Two allegations were included in files of evidence passed to prosecutors but no charges were filed.

Another two allegations were discontinued as Mr Al Fayed had died.

Football captain latest to come forward

The Egyptian-born businessman also once owned the Fulham Football Club.

Ronnie Gibbons, the former Fulham women's captain, is the latest to come forward with allegations she was sexually assaulted by Mr Al Fayed in 2000.

Gibbons alleges Al Fayed forcefully kissed and groped her.

According to Ms Gibbons, who spoke with The Athletic last week, she was forcefully kissed and groped by Mr Al Fayed

"Speaking my truth and finally telling my story will hopefully help me heal and be rid of the shame, embarrassment and pain I have carried for years," she said.

"If this can help one person open up and realise it's not your fault and be free of the same burdens, then I'll be happy."

Ms Gibbons is a client of the Justice for Harrods Survivors group, who represent the accusers of the former Harrods boss.

BBC reported their lawyers — which included high-profile women's rights attorney Gloria Allred — were working with 147 women.

Al Fayed described as a 'monster'

Mr Al Fayed's alleged victims claim Harrods management was aware of the allegations at the time, but helped cover them up.

In response, Harrods said it had begun settling civil claims with some of the women Mr Al Fayed preyed upon in 2023, and encouraged others to contact them.

Management said they were "utterly appalled" by allegations of the former owner's abuse.

"While we cannot undo the past, we have been determined to do the right thing as an organisation, driven by the values we hold today, while ensuring that such behaviour can never be repeated in the future," their statement read.

One woman quoted in the BBC report described Mr Al Fayed as a "monster" and "sexual predator".