Five women who allege they were abused by Mohamed Al Fayed have announced plans to launch a legal claim for personal injury against the late billionaire’s estate.
Law firm Leigh Day, which represents the claimants, confirmed that a pre-action letter has been sent to lawyers for the estate on behalf of the women. The claimants worked as nannies and private air stewards for Al Fayed’s private airline Fayair or were directly employed by his family between 1995 and 2012.
They allege they were subjected to serious sexual abuse, harassment, and mistreatment while working for the former Harrods owner.
Legal action and allegations
Speaking on behalf of the claimants, Richard Meeran, a partner at Leigh Day, stated:
“We have taken this step on behalf of those of our clients who were abused by Al Fayed while working for him or his other businesses outside of Harrods.”
He highlighted that much of the media focus on Al Fayed’s alleged predatory behaviour has centred around Harrods, yet these new claims concern women who never had dealings with the luxury department store.
Meeran continued:
“Our clients took on roles as professionals and should have been able to expect a safe working environment. Instead, they were subjected to serious sexual abuse, harassment, and mistreatment.”
Some of the women also claim they faced verbal abuse and threats when they attempted to raise concerns or report the abuse.
A spokesperson for Leigh Day confirmed that the legal letters were sent under the pre-action protocol for personal injury claims, marking the first formal step in the legal process before potential court proceedings.
Further allegations and police investigations
Leigh Day is currently representing a total of 27 individuals in claims relating to alleged abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed and his brother, Salah Fayed.
The firm also confirmed that it has been instructed to pursue civil compensation claims and is pushing for an independent public inquiry into the alleged abuse.
Meanwhile, the Metropolitan Police is reviewing 21 allegations against Al Fayed that were made before his death in 2023. In November last year, two of these cases were referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).
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The allegations date back decades, and police investigations were carried out while Al Fayed was still alive. Files were sent to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) for a charging decision twice—once in 2008, regarding three victims, and again in 2015, linked to one other complainant.
Additionally, the CPS was asked for early investigative advice in 2018, 2021, and 2023, but these matters were not pursued further by the police.
Response from Al Fayed’s estate
The Faldgate law firm, which represents the Al Fayed estate, has been contacted for comment, but has not yet issued a statement.
Al Fayed, who passed away in August 2023, was a controversial figure in British society, widely known for his ownership of Harrods and his long-running battle with the British establishment over the death of his son, Dodi Fayed, in the 1997 car crash that also killed Princess Diana.
Call for justice
The women involved in the claim say they want accountability from Al Fayed’s estate.
Their legal representatives insist that, despite his death, those affected should have the right to seek justice and that the legal process will shed further light on the extent of the alleged abuse.
While no court proceedings have officially begun, this legal challenge could mark a significant step towards holding the late businessman’s estate responsible for alleged actions spanning several decades.
