Harrods is seeking to recover the cost of compensation paid to hundreds of women who allege they were sexually abused by Mohamed Al Fayed, from his estate. The luxury department store is pursuing full indemnity from the late billionaire’s estate for any settlements it is required to pay.
Survivors of the alleged abuse have stated that Harrods' plan to recover these costs is distressing and contradicts its public acceptance of responsibility. Lucy Traynor, a senior associate at KP Law, which represents the majority of known survivors, said Harrods' intention to seek full indemnity is difficult to reconcile with its public statements about institutional responsibility.
KP Law previously indicated that compensation claims against Harrods and the estate from 275 survivors it represents could reach up to £150m. Harrods has accepted "vicarious liability" for the alleged abuse and condemned it. The store's latest accounts show it has paid £4.1m from the £57m it allocated for compensation in 2025, having made settlements with 113 women.
Harrods made a passing-over application last year to appoint special executors to administer Fayed's estate, replacing family members. The store stated this was to protect assets and ensure timely compensation payments. A High Court hearing for this application is scheduled for November.