Mohamed Al Fayed: Legal Team Represents 60 Alleged Victims
The number of alleged victims of former Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed continues to rise, with his legal team now representing a total of 60 survivors. The Egyptian billionaire, who passed away at the age of 94 last year, has been at the center of a recent investigation by the BBC that uncovered disturbing allegations of multiple sexual assaults, including rapes, against him.
Press Conference Reveals Allegations
A press conference was recently held where former Harrods employees came forward with their allegations against Al Fayed, urging others to share their stories as well. This call to action resulted in five accusers bravely sharing their experiences on BBC Breakfast. The response to the probe has been described as “enormous” by the legal team Justice for Harrods Survivors, with the number of alleged victims they are representing increasing from 37 to 60 in just a week.
Expansion of Allegations
In a shocking development, evidence of alleged abuse by Al Fayed at Fulham Football Club, which he owned from 1997 to 2013, has also come to light. The team of barristers representing the survivors released a statement acknowledging the global scope of their claim and expressing gratitude to the courageous women coming forward.
Vicarious Liability and Police Investigation
Sources within Harrods have confirmed that the business has accepted vicarious liability for the conduct of Al Fayed in order to settle claims brought forward by alleged victims since 2023. The Metropolitan Police announced that they are investigating new allegations against Al Fayed, in addition to prior reported offenses between 1979 and 2013 which did not result in charges. The police are encouraging anyone with information to come forward and assist with the investigation.
Allegations at Fulham Football Club
Al Fayed’s ownership of Fulham Football Club has also come under scrutiny, with reports suggesting that extra precautions were put in place to protect the women’s team from him. Former manager Gaute Haugenes revealed details about the measures taken to safeguard the female members of the club during Al Fayed’s tenure. Fulham FC released a statement expressing concern over the reports and promising to investigate the matter thoroughly.
Victims Speak Out
Several alleged victims of Al Fayed have bravely shared their stories, shedding light on the abuse they endured. Jen, who worked for Al Fayed for nearly five years, revealed that she had been subjected to surveillance and threats by him until his death. Another woman named Gemma, who served as Al Fayed’s personal assistant, disclosed that she was raped by him in Paris. Both women emphasized the culture of secrecy and fear that surrounded Al Fayed’s actions, making it difficult for victims to speak out.
Harrods’ Response
Harrods, under its current ownership, expressed shock and dismay at the allegations against Al Fayed. The company is conducting an internal review to ensure that current staff members were not involved in any misconduct related to the claims. They emphasized their commitment to prioritizing the welfare of their employees and highlighted the significant differences in the organization since Al Fayed’s ownership ended in 2010.
Ongoing Investigations
The Football Association (FA) has stated that they are monitoring the situation closely and maintaining communication with Fulham FC regarding the allegations. The FA is committed to ensuring that appropriate actions are taken in response to the reports. Meanwhile, the legal team representing the survivors continues to gather evidence and support the alleged victims as they seek justice for the abuse they endured.
Moving Forward
As more survivors come forward with their stories, the case against Mohamed Al Fayed continues to unfold. The legal team representing the alleged victims remains determined to seek justice and hold accountable those responsible for the abuse. The courage and resilience of the survivors in sharing their experiences serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out against wrongdoing and seeking accountability for those who have caused harm.
