Woman Instructs Lawyers To Bring Legal Claim For Damages

A former Harrods employee who says she was sexually assaulted by Mohammed Al Fayed while working for the department store is “sickened” he was able to abuse hundreds of women.

The woman, who has instructed specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to pursue a claim for damages, has revealed how the businessman repeatedly groped her and called her demeaning names over a four-year period.  

The woman in her 50s from Staffordshire, is now encouraging others to come forward to report what happened and secure justice for themselves. 

Woman reveals details of alleged Mohammed Al Fayed Harrods abuse

She said that following an interview with Al Fayed in the 2000s in which she was “given the job on the spot”, she was forced to undergo a medical, including an internal examination. Staff referred to these as “The Chairman’s Special Medical” in reference to Al Fayed who was known as The Chairman.

When Al Fayed got the woman alone he would touch her breasts and bottom and try and kiss her.  

When she tried to report the abuse to a Harrods manager she said she was told “to get on with it” because she knew what Al-Fayed was like.

Legal experts supporting Harrods abuse survivors

The woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, is now the latest survivor to instruct specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate a potential legal claim against Harrods. The legal experts are working with Harrods’ current owners and its legal representatives to set up a redress scheme designed to conclude legal claims for damages more quickly.  

It comes after more than 400 people have reported being abused by the former Harrods owner who died in 2023 aged 94. The abuse is reported to have taken place over a number of years at the department store, Fulham FC, the Ritz Hotel Paris as well as other places owned by Al Fayed.

Anna Pask is a specialist lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who supports survivors of abuse.

Expert Opinion

“My client’s first-hand account of the abuse she was subjected to is not only harrowing but sadly indicative of other accounts. It vividly highlights how, for years, Al Fayed was seemingly able to abuse his power to prey on women.

“We’re seeing more women coming forward to report such incidents which indicates the extent of problems throughout the Harrods business may have been much larger than first anticipated.

“However, it remains vital that those who may have undergone a similar experience don’t suffer in silence.

“Nothing can make up for my client’s ordeal, but we’re determined to support her and others to so they can at least be provided with the answers they deserve, and the specialist support they require to try and regain more of their lives.” Anna Pask

Harrods worker speaks for first time about abuse to empower other women

The woman said: “The first time I met Al Fayed was at interview which was the strangest interview I’ve ever had. Al Fayed offered me the job on the spot. 

“At the time of my medical I didn’t really appreciate what they were doing, and although he wasn’t present, people used to call them ‘The Chairman’s Special Medical’. 

“When you were with him in company Al Fayed would act all fatherly, but as soon as he was alone with you he was a totally different person.  

“He would touch my breasts and bottom and call me derogatory names. He would then go to kiss me on my cheek but move his face and kiss my lips.

“I tried to tell him it was unacceptable and wanted to put him back in his box so he knew it wasn’t okay to behave like that. However, I was also conscious that when he assaulted me it was just the two of us in a room and he had an air of someone who thought he could get away with anything. Although he was only short, he seemed a powerful man. 

“While to the outside world working for Harrods seemed to have kudos, it all got too much. It got to the point where I knew I needed to get out. 

“For years I tried to put everything to the back of my mind and get on with life. However, what happened never really left me and was always there. 

“There were always rumours about Al Fayed when I was at Harrods, but I don’t think anyone really believed the scale of what he got away with. 

“It sickens me how he got away with everything for so long. My heart goes out to all the others he targeted. I just hope that by sharing my story I can empower other women to report what happened to them so they can have their voices heard.” 

Meanwhile Irwin Mitchell is working alongside the current owners of Harrods and its legal representatives to set up a compensation redress scheme for abuse survivors to ensure those who suffered abuse at the hands of Al Fayed will receive damages and access to specialist support.  

It is hoped the scheme will mean survivors’ claims will be concluded faster than litigation claims, meaning those who sign up will receive damages and access to specialist support faster.

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting Harrods abuse survivors at our dedicated Harrods abuse claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.