Harrods settles more than 250 compensation claims over allegations of sexual misconduct by Mohamed Al Fayed

London luxury department store Harrods is in the process of resolving more than 250 compensation claims from women who accused former owner Mohamed Al Fayed of past sexual assault.

The store told the BBC that the women came forward after the British news agency published allegations from more than 20 female former Harrods employees who claimed Mr Al Fayed had sexually abused them.

Harrods previously said it had already settled a number of claims.

“Since the documentary aired, over 250 people have so far been in Harrods’ process to settle claims directly with the company,” the store said in a statement to The Guardian.

The ABC has contacted Harrods for further comment.

The billionaire, who died last year aged 94, owned the Brompton Road brand between 1985 and 2010.

Mr Al Fayed’s wealth, eccentricities and celebrity connections made him a household name in Britain, as did his links to Princess Diana.

His son Dodi had a romantic relationship with the royal family, but both were killed in a car accident in Paris in 1997.

Scotland Yard was approached by 60 other alleged victims

The settlement reports come as part of a renewed investigation by Scotland Yard into Mr Al Fayed.

The Metropolitan Police said following the BBC report and public appeals that 60 more people had come to officers with allegations.

On Saturday, London police said investigators were continuing to “build a fuller picture of the previous allegations against Al Fayed” and examine new information.

Commander Stephen Clayman thanked those who had since come forward.

“We recognize the significance of the allegations and it is right that a detailed and thorough review of previous allegations takes place,” he said.

“And while we know it is not possible to bring criminal proceedings against a deceased person, our priority is to give all potential victims/survivors a voice and ensure they receive the right care and support.”

Between 2005 and 2023, police received 21 individual allegations against Mr Al Fayed.

Investigators asked prosecutors for “early investigative advice” on dozens of these allegations, but no further action was taken.

Two allegations were contained in the evidence files handed over to the prosecutor’s office, but no charges were filed.

Two other charges were dropped because Mr. Al Fayed had died.

Football captain will be in touch at the latest

The Egyptian-born businessman also once owned Fulham Football Club.

Former Fulham women’s team captain Ronnie Gibbons is the latest to come forward with allegations she was sexually abused by Mr Al Fayed in 2000.

According to Ms Gibbons, who spoke to The Athletic last week, she was forcefully kissed and groped by Mr Al Fayed

“Speaking my truth and finally telling my story will hopefully help me heal and release the shame, embarrassment and pain that I have carried for years,” she said.

Ms Gibbons is a client of the group Justice for Harrods Survivors, which represents the former Harrods boss’s accusers.

BBC reported that its lawyers – including prominent women’s rights lawyer Gloria Allred – worked with 147 women.

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Al Fayed is described as a “monster”.

Mr Al Fayed’s alleged victims claim that Harrods management knew about the allegations at the time but helped cover them up.

In response, Harrods said it had begun resolving civil claims with some of the women Mr Al Fayed pursued in 2023 and encouraged others to contact them.

Management said it was “deeply appalled” by allegations of abuse by the former owner.

“While we cannot undo the past, we are committed to doing the right thing as an organization, driven by the values ​​we represent today, while ensuring that such behavior can never be repeated in the future,” it said their explanation.

A woman quoted in the BBC report described Mr Al Fayed as a “monster” and a “sexual predator”.