3 weeks ago
39
Hannah Price
BBC News Investigations
Five alleged victims of abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed are planning to launch legal action against the late billionaire's estate, solicitors say.
The BBC understands this is the first time the Al Fayed estate has been notified of claims of this kind since allegations of abuse were broadcast in a BBC documentary last year.
Three of the women worked for the late billionaire and former owner of Harrods as nannies and two as private air stewards between 1995 and 2012. They were between the ages of 18 and 30 when they say the abuse occurred.
The Fladgate law firm, which represents the estate, has been contacted for comment.
Leigh Day, the law firm representing the alleged victims, say the women were subjected to "serious sexual abuse, harassment and mistreatment".
Some allege they were threatened when they tried to raise concerns or report the abuse.
Previous claims have been brought against Harrods, the department store owned by Al Fayed until 2010.
Richard Meeran, one of the partners working on the women's case, told the BBC: "It is important that his estate is also made legally accountable for the widespread abuse he perpetrated against those who may never have had dealings with the famous store."
The women are pursuing compensation under a personal injury claim. The letters of claim, which have been sent to the representatives of Al Fayed's estate on the women's behalf, signify the first formal step in the civil legal process prior to the start of court proceedings.
Since the documentary Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods and podcast uncovered widespread allegations of abuse from former Harrods employees, the BBC has heard from close to 80 women who shared their own experiences.
The earliest account of abuse heard by the BBC stretched as far back as 1977 and a number of women described being recruited by Al Fayed under false pretences before being sexually exploited by him.
The Metropolitan Police have said more than 100 alleged victims have contacted them to say they were sexually abused by Al Fayed.
They are currently reviewing a total of 21 allegations made before he died in 2023.
A number of allegations were made against the businessman while he was still alive, but Al Fayed was never charged over rape and sexual assault allegations.
In November, the Met announced an investigation into how it handled allegations relating to Al Fayed.
Many of the women who have spoken to the BBC about their experiences have raised significant questions regarding how the predatory abuse they say they suffered was able to continue across numerous decades.
The five women, being represented by Leigh Day, are also calling for an independent inquiry into the matter.
A spokesperson for Leigh Day added: "The letters are sent under the pre-action protocol for personal injury claims and mark the first formal step in the legal process prior to the commencement of court proceedings."
In January, claims of abuse against Al Fayed and his brother Salah were heard in a UK court for the first time, in a civil case being brought against Harrods.
Their only surviving brother, Ali Fayed, has also been accused of sexual assault by former employees of the department store. A spokesperson for Mr Fayed, who lives in the US, said previously that he unequivocally denied any and all the allegations of wrongdoing, adding that "the incidents simply never took place".
Harrods' new owners have previously said they are "appalled" by the allegations of sexual abuse and have been investigating since 2023 whether any current members of staff were involved.
In November, the Met said it was investigating at least five people it believes may have assisted or enabled Al Fayed's alleged sexual offences.
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