Harrods abuse allegations

We have been instructed by a number of women to pursue civil claims for compensation against Harrods, the estate of Mohamed Al Fayed and his associated companies for rape and sexual assault resulting in physical and long-term psychological injury and financial losses. We are also investigating whether claims could be made against the Metropolitan Police for failing to properly investigate reports of abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed that were made to them by survivors.

The role of medical professionals alleged to have conducted sexual health examinations upon recruitment, the results of which were provided to Harrods and Mohamed Al Fayed, is also being investigated by Leigh Day.

Survivors in the UK and other countries who suffered abuse or believe they have information about the allegations can confidentially contact the legal team at Leigh Day here.

Leigh Day is acting for survivors in calling for a statutory public inquiry into: 

• the systemic failures within Harrods and the role of Harrods’ managers and security staff in facilitating and allowing the trafficking and sexual abuse of women
• the role of doctors in conducting inappropriate sexual health examinations without the informed consent of women
• the failure of the Metropolitan Police and the Crown Prosecution Service to investigate complaints of sexual abuse by women, and prosecute the perpetrators
• the use of non-disclosure agreements and oppressive legal actions to silence abused women and the media.

Statutory public inquiries have powers under the Inquiries Act to compel disclosure and witnesses. Any such public inquiry should examine the roles of Harrods and Mohamed Al Fayed, as well as individuals and organisations who may have either facilitated the abuse or failed to take action against Al Fayed. This may include the police, medical personnel, and any other enterprises and personnel within the Al Fayed network involved in serious allegations of sexual abuse, including the Ritz Paris, Harrods Aviation, Harrods Holdings, Turnbull & Asser, and Fulham FC. 

The purpose of a public inquiry is to address significant public concern to learn the facts of what happened and make findings and recommendations that will, hopefully, prevent something similar happening again and thereby protect others in society. 

Participation in a public inquiry may be undertaken on an anonymous basis, and you may be able to participate either as a witness or as a core participant. It is possible to become involved in a public inquiry as well as bringing a civil claim for compensation. 

The easiest way to reach us is to complete the enquiry form on this page. A member of the appropriate team will then contact you directly to arrange a call.

Alternatively, you can use the contact details listed on this page.  

Our legal team are experienced in dealing with highly sensitive claims, we have supported clients who have suffered sexual, emotional and physical abuse. In contacting us you will speak to a member of the legal team who is suitably able to guide you through an initial discussion.

It is our understanding that Harrods have established a portal for survivors to contact them directly regarding potential claims. We are not in a position to advise on the details of that process. We would recommend that anyone seeking compensation for a legal claim seek independent legal advice. 

No. We have been contacted by a number of individuals whose experiences extend beyond the Harrods store. We are investigating different legal avenues which may involve claims against potential defendants other than Harrods, including related businesses and the Al Fayed estate. 

Your contact with us is kept confidential. In the event a civil claim is filed, it is possible to apply for anonymity restrictions which are designed to safeguard the identity of an individual. 

There is absolutely no requirement for you to go public with your experience. We are aware that some people who have contacted us are keen to be able to tell their story, to offer additional support for a public inquiry, or make sure as many details as possible come to light. This can be done entirely anonymously. If that is something you would like to consider we have an in-house media relations team whose role is to support our clients in their engagement with the media. They can discuss this with you on a completely confidential basis and answer any questions you may have. 

Please contact us directly if you would like more information.

Leigh Day are accepting clients on a no-win-no-fee basis, this means that you do not pay any legal fees for the duration of a legal claim. You may only need to contribute towards the costs of the case if you win and receive some money. If you do not win, provided you have stuck to the terms of our agreement, you do not pay us anything at all.

We are happy to discuss the detailed terms of our retainer with you.

We investigate each potential case carefully, and we do not progress claims where we do not consider that there is suitable evidence.
 
We appreciate that accessing documents can be difficult when dealing with historic cases, and our team are happy to guide you on this process.

No. We do not consider that these claims are appropriate for a group. Everyone has had a different experience, at a different time and place, resulting in different damage and injury. We are dealing with each survivor on a case-by-case basis. 

Leigh Day currently represents a number of women who live outside of the UK, and we are happy to investigate cases on behalf of those who reside abroad. 

Each case will turn on its own facts, such as where any abuse took place, and we are happy to discuss this with you.