60 More Women Allege Sexual Abuse By Ex-Harrods Boss Mohamed Al Fayed; UK Police Already Probing Accusations By 220 Females

Weeks after the airing of the broadcaster’s documentary Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods, 65 more women claimed sexual harassment, sexual assault, and rape by Mohammad Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods and Fulham FC, who died last year at the age of 94.

The ongoing investigation into the former Harrods owner’s conduct has expanded with accusations from 65 women, detailing a range of abuses including sexual harassment, assault, and rape. Among these women, 37 were employed at Harrods during Al Fayed’s ownership, while others claimed to have been recruited for domestic roles under false pretences, leading to sexual exploitation. 

One woman alleged that Al Fayed assaulted her in Dubai in 1977, prior to his acquisition of Harrods in 1985. In response to these growing claims, since the documentary aired, Harrods has begun a process to settle directly with over 200 individuals.

The Metropolitan Police are investigating new allegations of abuse alongside previous reports dating from 1979 to 2013. They are conducting a thorough review to assess whether new information warrants further investigation. 

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Over 220 Women Seek Legal Support 

Lawyers for the victims, organised under the group “Justice for Harrods Survivors,” are handling inquiries from over 220 women and currently represent 71 individuals. As the inquiry continues, more women are feeling empowered to come forward.

A report by The Mirror states that the Metropolitan Police is reaching out to the lawyers of the alleged victims to "ensure they have the opportunity to communicate with us and report any offences".

“We are carrying out full reviews of all existing allegations reported to us about Al Fayed to ensure there are no new lines of inquiry based on new information which has emerged. This includes liaising with the Directorate of Professional Standards where appropriate,” a Met police spokesperson said, as reported by The Guardian.

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The BBC reports that 37 out of the 65 newly identified women claimed to have been employed at Harrods. In a statement to the BBC, Harrods noted, "Since the documentary aired, over 200 individuals have entered the Harrods process to settle claims directly with the company."