Survivors of abuse at the hands of billionaire Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed protested outside the London department store on September 20. They were joined by members of parliament and allies, standing behind a large campaign banner and handing out leaflets. The protest marks two years since a documentary exposing allegations of rape and sexual abuse against Al Fayed aired on the BBC.
The protest was organized by the group Justice for Fayed and Harrods Survivors, whose co-chairs, Jen Mills and Lindsay Mason, stated that survivors are still being made to wait for justice. Mills and Mason emphasized that the scandal is Britain's largest abuse scandal perpetrated by one individual and the largest corporate sexual abuse scandal in the world, with over 500 survivors coming forward.
According to the Metropolitan Police, at least 159 victims have contacted them directly, including 21 who came forward before Al Fayed's death in 2023. The investigation, known as Operation Cornpoppy, was launched in November 2024, and is looking at people who may have facilitated or enabled Al Fayed's crimes. Seven people have been questioned under caution as part of the investigation.
Labour MP Dave Robertson and Liberal Democrat MP Wendy Chamberlain, co-chairs of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for the Survivors of Fayed and Harrods, attended the protest. They stated that Harrods wants to "wash their hands of this scandal" and that the company's compensation scheme is not enough. The MPs emphasized that Harrods still has serious questions to answer about what its staff knew about the trafficking network operating within its walls.
A law firm representing at least 275 survivors, KP Law, estimated that the total compensation awarded could reach between £100 million and £150 million. The protest comes as survivors have reported experiences related to other organizations and properties linked to Al Fayed, including Park Lane, the Ritz Paris, and Fulham FC.
Keaton Stone, husband of survivor Sophia Stone and the investigator whose work led to the BBC documentary, stated that those protesting outside Harrods represent hundreds more who cannot be there in person. Stone emphasized that the investigation continues today and that Harrods cannot use silence and delay to erase what happened.
The protest outside Harrods highlights the ongoing struggle for justice and accountability in the wake of the abuse scandal. Survivors and their supporters are calling for Harrods to take responsibility and provide adequate compensation to those affected. The company's response to the scandal remains a contentious issue, with many calling for greater transparency and accountability.
Key points
- Over 500 survivors have come forward with allegations of abuse against Mohamed Al Fayed and other perpetrators linked to him.
- The Metropolitan Police is investigating at least 159 victims who have contacted them directly.
- A law firm estimates that the total compensation awarded to survivors could reach between £100 million and £150 million.
