Harrods appoints advocate for survivors after Al Fayed allegations

Harrods has appointed an advocate for survivors following allegations of sexual misconduct against its 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, of which Harrods said more than 290 people were “engaged”.

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

Since the initial complaints were revealed, more women have come forward with allegations of assault, harassment and rape over a period of more than 30 years when they were Al Fayed’s employees.

The allegations cover abuse which allegedly took place at Fulham FC, the Ritz Hotel Paris, Harrods, as well as other places owned by Al Fayed.

In recent days, law firm Leigh Day said in total it had been contacted by more than 100 women.

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

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

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

“I am honoured to be a part of this project as I fundamentally believe Harrods wish to get this right.”

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

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

Most of the 421 claims were connected 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 the UK, America, Canada, Europe, Australia and Asia, the lawyers added.

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

The documentary and podcast found that during Al Fayed’s ownership, Harrods not only failed to intervene but helped cover up abuse allegations.

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