Leigh Day renews calls for public inquiry after Scottish survivor speaks out about Mohamed Al Fayed abuse allegations

The survivor, who first worked for Al Fayed after taking up a housekeeping role at his Balnagown estate in Easter Ross in the Scottish Highlands, described how she was later brought closer to the family and offered support at a time when she was young, isolated and vulnerable.

In the interview, given to the Mail on Sunday, she said she had left home at a young age and had grown up facing stigma because of her circumstances. She said: “He would have known what he was getting when he picked me, I’m sure of it.”

She said Al Fayed presented himself as a father figure who could help and protect her, while allegedly imposing restrictions on her movements and communications and arranging medical checks that she did not understand at the time.

She also described unwanted conduct by Al Fayed and said that, when she raised concerns, she was accused of lying and threatened. She said: “He was saying he could destroy me, destroy my family, he could take everything away.”

The survivor said she believed she could not speak about what had happened because she had signed a confidentiality agreement when she started the role. She added: “The threats were all there, and I believed them. I believed that I couldn’t say anything… for 30 years.”

After learning that other women had also made allegations about Al Fayed, she said she decided to speak publicly in the hope that other survivors would be believed. She said: “I just want other girls to be believed, that’s why I’ve come forward.”

Leigh Day represents a number of survivors of abuse linked to Al Fayed and related individuals. Survivors and survivor collective No One Above have repeatedly called for a statutory public inquiry into allegations relating to Al Fayed, Harrods and other Al Fayed-controlled enterprises.

The renewed call follows recent comments from victims minister Alex Davies-Jones, who said ministers were reviewing what was possible in relation to Harrods survivors, and a subsequent Ministry of Justice statement saying options to support victims and survivors were being reviewed, although a public inquiry was not being actively considered.

Leigh Day says the survivor’s account underlines the need for an independent process with the powers to examine how alleged abuse and exploitation could have continued for decades, what role may have been played by institutions and individuals around Al Fayed, and what measures are needed to protect women and girls in future.

Leigh Day partner Emma Jones, who represents a number of survivors, said:

“This client’s powerful testimony is another reminder of the bravery shown by survivors who are coming forward after many years of silence. I am working closely with survivors’ collective No One Above and a number of other survivors to push for a public inquiry so that what happened is properly and thoroughly examined through a transparent and fair process.

"Despite comments that others have made this week, there is no reason not to open a public inquiry now. Any public inquiry would take time to set up, but once opened the inquiry can use its powers to ensure all documents are preserved. It would not interrupt or cut across a police investigation. 

"Simply put, a public inquiry is the only way to ensure that all of the issues are explored, documents must be produced and witness can be compelled to give evidence. A select committee does not have the statutory powers of a public inquiry Further delays simply means there is more time for documents and witnesses to "go missing".

“The objectives are clear: to ensure the years of abuse suffered by women who came into contact with Al Fayed, whether via his business such as Harrods, or in a private capacity, are not quickly forgotten; to examine the role of institutions and individuals around Al Fayed; and to put measures in place to better protect women and girls in future.

“Our client’s account highlights that Al Fayed’s abuse extended beyond the doors of his enterprises, such as Harrods. Without a public inquiry, many survivors will be denied the opportunity to understand how a prolific offender was able to operate for decades, unchallenged.

“It is only when these matters are brought to light publicly and investigated properly by the authorities that real change can be made. Until there is a full public inquiry, lessons will not be learned and survivors will not have the transparency and accountability they have long been calling for.”