Harrods is seeking to recover from the estate of Mohamed Al Fayed the compensation it has paid to hundreds of women who allege they were sexually abused by the late billionaire. The luxury department store aims to secure full indemnity for any settlements it is required to disburse, potentially reclaiming the entire amount from Fayed’s estate rather than bearing the financial burden itself.

The move has provoked concern among survivors and their legal representatives, who say it contradicts Harrods’ public acceptance of responsibility for the abuse. Lucy Traynor, senior associate at KP Law, which represents most of the known survivors, stated that while Harrods claims to acknowledge institutional responsibility, its legal position is to seek reimbursement from the estate for all compensation paid. She said this approach conflicts with the store’s previous declarations of accountability.

Traynor also emphasized that the allegations extend beyond Fayed as an individual, raising questions about the environment within Harrods that allowed the abuse to occur, potential knowledge or negligence by others in the organisation, and whether systemic failures contributed to the misconduct. She warned that if Harrods succeeds in reclaiming compensation from the estate, it could diminish assets available for survivors who are pursuing claims directly from Fayed’s estate.

Harrods responded that its foremost priority remains ensuring all eligible survivors receive compensation. The company confirmed it continues to settle claims and reiterated its condemnation of the abuse, which it has accepted vicarious liability for. The department store initiated a probe two years ago into whether any current employees were involved in the alleged abuse, with one staff member leaving the company in 2025 linked to the investigation.

Mohamed Al Fayed, who died in 2023 at age 94, faced accusations of rape, sexual assault, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking spanning from 1977 to 2014. Survivors have criticized Harrods for allegedly failing to address the allegations adequately over the years.

Harrods established its own compensation scheme for survivors in 2023, which closed to new claims in March. According to the company’s latest financial accounts, £4.1 million has been paid out from a £57 million fund set aside for compensation, with settlements reached with 113 women to date. The estimated total compensation claims against both Harrods and Fayed’s estate by the survivors represented by KP Law could reach £150 million.

Fayed’s fortune was reported to be £1.69 billion in 2023. Harrods has applied to the High Court to appoint special executors to manage the administration of Fayed’s estate, a move aimed at safeguarding assets and ensuring timely compensation payments. A hearing on this application is scheduled for November. The estate declined to comment.