Dame Jasvinder Sanghera, Harrods’ newly appointed survivors’ advocate, has suggested that the scale of sexual abuse perpetrated by the late Mohamed Al Fayed could parallel the crimes of Jimmy Savile.
Her concerns raised follow a surge of allegations against the billionaire businessman, spurred by a September BBC documentary featuring claims from 20 women.
Dame Jasvinder, a prominent human rights advocate, revealed that a former student from a school for deaf children contacted her about Al Fayed’s access to vulnerable young women. While the school denies Al Fayed had access to its premises, Sanghera shared harrowing testimonies indicating the breadth of his abuse.
“We could be talking about something on the scale of Jimmy Savile,” she told BBC Radio 4. “Survivors have told me that many people were complicit in his abuse. They looked the other way while he exploited his power and influence.”
Savile, one of Britain’s most infamous sex offenders, used his celebrity status to assault hundreds of victims. Al Fayed, similarly, is accused of using his ownership of businesses—including Harrods, Fulham FC, and the Ritz Paris hotel—as a platform for abuse.
Harrods’ compensation process
Dame Jasvinder disclosed that approximately 290 women are engaged in Harrods’ compensation scheme for former employees who allege abuse by Al Fayed. She has personally written to each participant and emphasised her commitment to supporting all survivors, even those who didn’t work at Harrods.
Since the documentary aired, over 70 additional women have contacted the BBC, sharing allegations ranging from sexual harassment to rape. Many incidents reportedly occurred outside Harrods, highlighting the widespread nature of Al Fayed’s alleged predation.
“This abuse didn’t just happen at Harrods,” Dame Jasvinder explained. “I’m already hearing from survivors about incidents in other businesses he owned.”
Broader legal action
Hundreds of women have sought legal representation outside Harrods’ scheme. Justice for Harrods Survivors, a group representing some accusers, reported over 400 alleged victims and witnesses, including individuals from the UK, US, Canada, and beyond.
The BBC documentary Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods revealed testimonies from over 20 former Harrods employees. The investigation alleged that, under Al Fayed’s ownership, Harrods not only ignored abuse but actively concealed it.
In response, Harrods’ current owners expressed their horror at the allegations, apologised to victims, and initiated an internal review to identify any staff implicated. However, the company has yet to disclose any outcomes or actions resulting from the investigation.
Advocacy for justice
Dame Jasvinder urged all survivors to come forward, even if their experiences fall outside Harrods’ remit. “I would never turn away someone in need of support,” she assured.
Claiming compensation for Al Fayed’s abuse
If you have been a victim of abuse whilst working at Harrod’s or by being subjected to abuse by Mr Fayed in another setting, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Oakwood Solicitors Ltd, we specialise in securing compensation for victims of abuse, no matter how long ago it may have occurred. We know how daunting it can be to come forward but be assured that it is never too late.
Oakwood Solicitors Ltd offers a free no-obligation consultation and legal advice from our dedicated abuse claims solicitor. We operate on a no-win no-fee basis which means that you will not pay anything unless your claim is successful.
Historical abuse refers to instances where an adult experienced sexual abuse as a child or young person under the age of 18. This can involve a single incident or multiple occurrences of abuse, carried out by a stranger, a relative, or someone familiar.
Sexual or physical abuse is considered a crime regardless of the victim’s age. According to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), child sexual abuse involves coercing or encouraging a child to participate in sexual acts. It remains abuse even if the child does not initially understand that something is wrong.
At AbuseClaims.co.uk, our team of experienced legal professionals are here to help you navigate the best path for pursuing your claim. With a deep understanding of handling sensitive cases, we are dedicated to offering the support needed for a successful outcome.
We operate on a No-Win, No-Fee basis, so you won’t incur any costs unless your claim is successful. A dedicated advisor will oversee your claim from start to finish, keeping you updated regularly and ensuring that the process remains as smooth and stress-free as possible.
How to make a claim?
This area of the law is highly specialised, and it is important to have a solicitor who has experience pursuing claims for compensation for historic sexual and physical abuse and assault.
Whilst these claims are personal injury claims, there are many aspects that differ from general personal injury claims. At AbuseClaims.co.uk, our team of legal experts are trained in dealing with these types of cases and will be able to offer seasoned advice for a successful outcome.
You can contact us for a free no-obligation chat. We will advise you whether you are eligible to make a claim and the likely level of damages.
If you decide to pursue the claim we will do all the work for you, keeping you informed at every stage.
Further reading
Sexual abuse – abuseclaims.co.uk
Civil abuse claims – Oakwood Solicitors
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