020 7650 1200

Harrods abuse allegations

We know that coming forward with allegations of sexual abuse can be incredibly difficult. Our compassionate and dedicated solicitors specialise in this area of law and are committed to supporting survivors in their pursuit of justice.

We are here to support you with seeking justice
Contact us confidentially

Multiple women have engaged Leigh Day regarding potential legal action against Mohamed Al Fayed, Harrods, and its associated companies. The allegations include trafficking, rape, sexual assault, and psychological abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed and others. 

What can you do if you have been affected? 

If the claims raised against Mohamed Al Fayed and Harrods have impacted you, please contact our team. We are here to discuss your options discreetly. 

We are considering two types of legal options: civil claims and requests for a public inquiry. Below, you will find more detailed explanations for both types of options. 

You can express your interest in a public inquiry or file a civil claim for compensation. You can do this while keeping your identity private from the press and the public. We can discuss this with you in detail. 

Human rights barristers Phillippa Kaufmann KC of Matrix Chambers and Nina Ross of 12 King's Bench Walk have been retained by our dedicated team to investigate these legal options. 

It is important to be aware that time limits may apply for you to bring your claim. 

Types of legal options

We have been instructed by a number of women in connection with potential civil claims for compensation against Harrods and other associated companies for rape and sexual assault resulting in physical and long-term psychological injury. We are also investigating whether claims could be made against the estate of Mohamed Al Fayed, as well as 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 supporting calls 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, and the failure of the Metropolitan Police to investigate complaints of sexual abuse by women. 

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. 

How much time do you have to come forward?

A limitation period exists for bringing civil claims related to personal injuries, including sexual abuse. However, the court may allow claims to proceed beyond this limitation period in certain circumstances. 

If you choose not to bring a claim now but wish to reconsider it in the future, this is an important factor to keep in mind. 

We’re here for you

The team

Richard Meeran

Partner

Richard is co-head of the firm's International and Group Litigation Department

India Macleod

Senior associate solicitor

India Macleod is a senior associate solicitor in the international department.

Corporate accountability

Emma Jones

Partner

Emma runs the team working on the contaminated blood inquiry 

Georgia Rycroft

Associate solicitor

Georgia is an associate solicitor in the international and group litigation team, specialising in litigation arising from human rights abuses and environmental damage involving multinational corporations.

Our team is committed to providing you with the support, information, and guidance you need as you navigate this journey. 

If you are struggling with your mental health, it is important that you speak to your GP or other healthcare professional. You can also contact any of the relevant organisations below, who may be able to provide you with the information or support which you require.

New Pathways

Rape Crisis (female only)

Victim Support

Samaritans

Women and Girls Network (WGN)

The Survivors Trust

We want to remind you that you are not alone, and help is available.

Contact from the UK

Email: Richard Meeran at rmeeran@leighday.co.uk, India Macleod on IMacleod@leighday.co.uk or Georgia Rycroft on GRycroft@leighday.co.uk

Call: 020 7650 1200
 
In the US

Call: Motley Rice Attorneys at law on 1-866-779-2607 

visit: www.motleyrice.com/human-rights/trafficking-litigation/harrods-contact 

Frequently asked questions

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.