Harrods launches new Redress Scheme in response to abuse allegations against former Chairman, Mohamed Al Fayed

Harrods has formally acknowledged the serious and deeply troubling allegations of sexual abuse committed by its former Chairman and owner, Mohamed Al Fayed, during his time in power.

In a significant move toward accountability and justice, the company has introduced a new Redress Scheme aimed at providing support and compensation to survivors of the abuse that occurred under his leadership.

Mohamed Al Fayed assaults committed

Mohamed Al Fayed is accused of 25 years of sexual abuse, threats, and cover-ups, according to lawyer Gloria Allred, who claimed Harrods was a toxic, unsafe, and abusive environment under his chairmanship.

More than 20 former female employees of the luxury London department store have testified that the billionaire, who died last year at the age of 94, abused his power and sexually assaulted or raped them.

Barrister Bruce Drummond, who is part of a legal team that represents the survivors, says, “The web of corruption and abuse in this company was unbelievable and very dark.”

“The charges against Mohamed Al Fayed include sexual battery, attempted rape, serial rape, and sexual abuse of minors,” she continued.

Al-Fayed: Predator at Harrods, a documentary and podcast, gathered evidence that Harrods not only did not step in during Fayed’s ownership, but also assisted in hiding claims of abuse.

A formal statement from Harrods in relation to its former Chairman and owner Mohamed Fayed stated:

“We are utterly appalled by the allegations of abuse perpetrated by Mohamed Al Fayed. These were the actions of an individual who was intent on abusing his power wherever he operated, and we condemn them in the strongest terms. We also acknowledge that during this time his victims were failed and for this we apologise.

“The Harrods of today is a very different organisation to the one owned and controlled by Fayed between 1985 and 2010, it is one that seeks to put the welfare of our employees at the heart of everything we do.

“Since new information became known in 2023 about historic allegations of sexual abuse by Fayed, it has been our priority to settle claims in the quickest way possible, avoiding lengthy legal proceedings for the women involved.

“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.”

Dame Jasvinder Sanghera has been named an Independent Survivor Advocate by Harrods. Known as a leading expert on supporting women who have experienced sexual abuse, Dame Jasvinder will help ensure that survivors receive the proper treatment and prioritise their well-being.

The Survivor Advocate will operate as a point of contact, enabling people to contact someone outside of Harrods during the claims process, since it is essential that survivors have the choice of an independent voice in this process.

Application for Harrods Redress Scheme

If you are or were associated with Harrods and believe you are a survivor of sexual misconduct by former Chairman Mohamed Al Fayed, you may be eligible for support and compensation through the Harrods Redress Scheme.

The process is designed to be survivor-focused, confidential, and trauma-informed.

Step-by-step guide

Prioritise your wellbeing
Before engaging in the Redress Scheme, please ensure you have a strong support network. Revisiting past trauma can trigger emotional and physical distress. Mental health support is strongly encouraged.
Contact a legal representative
Reach out to our specialist team at Abuse Claims. We will begin gathering the necessary evidence and documentation. Our legal team will also explain the Scheme Advisory Note, which outlines:
Begin your application
Once formally instructed, our experienced legal professionals in historic sexual abuse cases will begin preparing your Redress Scheme application on your behalf.
Engagement with MPL Legal
Your dedicated case handler will contact MPL Legal, the firm instructed by Harrods, to submit and discuss your application in accordance with the scheme guidelines.
Case review by MPL Legal
MPL Legal will assess your application based on its individual merits and circumstances. Every case is reviewed carefully and compassionately, with no requirement for oral testimony.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much compensation could I be awarded under the Harrods Redress Scheme?

Depending on the pathway chosen, applicants can apply for the following types of compensation:

General Damages of up to £200,000.
Aggravated Damages of up to £25,000.
Wrongful Testing Fixed Payment(s) of up to £10,000.
Treatment Costs
Work Impact Payment of up to £150,000.

Wrongful Testing Fixed Payments will be in addition to any other head of loss. An eligible applicant may be eligible for a single award for one or both forms of Wrongful Testing Fixed payments, but not repeat awards for multiple tests.

Any CRU recoverable benefits received as a result of the Sexual Assault/Wrongful Testing does not need to be offset against any compensation.

Who Is eligible to apply?

You may be eligible for the Scheme if:

You are or were connected with Harrods in any capacity (e.g. employee, trainee, contractor).
You experienced sexual abuse, harassment, or misconduct by Mohamed Al Fayed during his tenure.
You may have a potential civil claim against Harrods for failing to prevent the abuse.

Will I get an apology?

While Harrods has publicly apologised, Harrods offers to provide a personal apology to each eligible Applicant. All eligible applicants will be offered an individual written apology. Eligible applicants will also be offered a meeting with a senior representative from Harrods to receive an apology in person, or by video if this is preferable.

Eligible Applicants can request an apology at any point in the process. Unless the eligible applicant prefers otherwise, it is proposed the apology takes place at the conclusion of the application.

When might it still be possible to bring a claim where my abuser is deceased?

You may still be able to bring a claim even if your abuser is deceased. While the absence of the abuser may make it harder for the opposing side to challenge allegations, a claim can still proceed if there is supporting evidence.

This may include:

A prior criminal conviction against the abuser
Findings of misconduct by an employer or agency
Written admissions of abuse made by the abuser before their death
Witnesses who saw the abuse occur
Evidence that the abuser committed similar offences against others

Other forms of supporting evidence may also apply. Survivors are encouraged to seek legal advice regardless of how long ago the abuse took place.

Molly Frost – Abuse Claims Solicitor

Molly Frost joined the Firm in June 2024 and specialises in abuse compensation claims. Having over 20 years’ experience helping survivors recover compensation, she is considered an expert in her field. Molly has acted as lead Solicitor in several group litigation matters arising out of abuse in children’s homes and has been involved in several high-profile cases.