Harrods has appointed an advocate for survivors following allegations of sexual misconduct against its former owner Mohamed Al Fayed. Al Fayed, who died last year aged 94, was accused of sexual assault by more than 20 women in a BBC documentary and podcast in September. In her role, human rights campaigner Dame Jasvinder Sanghera will meet "as many survivors as possible" and guide them through the retailer's compensation process, of which Harrods said more than 290 people were "engaged".
Justice for Harrods Survivors, which represents some of the accusers, said "only a truly independent, robust and transparent process" could address the needs of survivors. Since the initial complaints were revealed, more women have come forward with allegations of assault, harassment and rape over a period of more than 30 years when they were Al Fayed's employees. The allegations cover abuse which allegedly took place at Fulham FC, the Ritz Hotel Paris, Harrods, as well as other places owned by Al Fayed.
In recent days, law firm Leigh Day said in total it had been contacted by more than 100 women. The luxury department store said Dame Jasvinder's appointment was an extension of its claims process which "includes counselling as well as payment of all reasonable legal fees incurred by claimants". In a statement, Dame Jasvinder said survivors "deserve representation from someone who genuinely understands and prioritises their best interests".
She added: "It is clear that Mohamed Al Fayed was a p.
