More than 100 survivors of alleged sexual abuse by former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed have entered the company's compensation scheme, the luxury department store has confirmed. The scheme was established after dozens of women came forward following the BBC documentary Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods broadcast last year.
Eligible applicants can receive general damages of up to £200,000, a work impact payment of up to £150,000, and payments for “wrongful testing” and treatment costs. Compensation awards and interim payments began at the end of April.
Harrods has apologised “unreservedly” for the abuse suffered. Survivors are offered a meeting with a senior representative for an apology in person or by video, plus an individual written apology. The scheme, developed with law firm MPL Legal and funded by Harrods, runs until 31 March 2026. Claims can be based on documentary evidence without requiring a medical assessment.
The scheme has been extended to include survivors who were employed by Fayed's private airline company Fayair (Jersey) Co Ltd and claim abuse before 7 May 2010, when Al Fayed sold the business.
The Metropolitan Police said last year that 111 women had made allegations against Fayed, with the youngest aged 13 at the time. The force has apologised to victims and is reviewing 21 allegations made before Fayed's death in 2023, with two referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
