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More than 200 women are in legal discussions with Harrods over Al-Fayed abuse claims

More than 200 women are in legal discussions with Harrods over Al-Fayed abuse claims

More than 200 women are now in settlement talks with Harrods over alleged abuse by former owner Mohamed al-Fayed, the luxury department store in London said on Thursday.

The Egyptian billionaire died last year at the age of 94. But since then, new allegations have emerged BBC Last month he broadcast an expose claiming he had raped and sexually assaulted women while owning Harrods.

“Since the documentary aired, more than 200 individuals have now entered the Harrods process to settle claims directly with the company,” the store said in a statement.

Mohamed al-Fayed in 2010. The Egyptian billionaire died last year. Photo: Reuters
Mohamed al-Fayed in 2010. The Egyptian billionaire died last year. Photo: Reuters
In addition, the BBC said on Thursday that a further 65 women had told of being abused by them al-Fayedwhile lawyers from the Justice for Harrods Survivors group representing alleged victims say they now have more than 70 clients.

Harrods advises new complainants to seek advice through the Harrods Survivors Group legal team or another legal team.

The new allegations against the BBC date back to 1977 and include sexual harassment, assault and rape: 37 of the 65 new claimants had worked in Britain’s most famous shop, the broadcaster added.

Justice for Harrods Survivors said women now “felt safe to come forward” and the number of accusers was “increasing daily”.

The group “now has 71 customers and is processing a further 220 queries” after contacting people from around the world, it added.