The Newshound

Harrods accused of 'avoiding financial responsibility' as lawyers say it seeks to recoup ALL victim payouts from Fayed's estate

From the Newshound archive · first published 19 September 2026 · last updated 20 September 2026.

Harrods on Brompton Road, Knightsbridge. Survivors protesting the store's £51.8 million compensation scheme say the true value of claims could reach £150 million — double or triple what has been set aside.
Harrods on Brompton Road, Knightsbridge. Survivors protesting the store's £51.8 million compensation scheme say the true value of claims could reach £150 million — double or triple what has been set aside.
Mohamed Al-Fayed. Harrods is seeking full indemnity from his estate to recover compensation costs, a move survivors say contradicts the store's public acceptance of responsibility.
Mohamed Al-Fayed. Harrods is seeking full indemnity from his estate to recover compensation costs, a move survivors say contradicts the store's public acceptance of responsibility.

Harrods is seeking full indemnity from Mohamed Al Fayed's late billionaire estate for every pound of compensation it pays to survivors, lawyers allege — meaning the luxury retailer would bear no ultimate financial cost itself. KP Law, representing 275 survivors, says claims worth up to £150m have reached an "impasse" because Harrods is putting its own commercial interests ahead of victim needs. Harrods has denied the characterisation and says it has already paid compensation to more than 110 survivors. Survivor Cheska Hill-Wood, who was abused from the age of 19 in 1993, branded the compensation scheme "an insult" and "a disgrace".

Harrods set aside just £51.8m for future claims — the true figure owed could reportedly be double or triple that.

Survivors Jen Mills and Lindsay Mason entered Harrods to demand a meeting with managing director Michael Ward and were told it "wasn't possible" — then directed to the store's website contact page.

MoreThe TelegraphHarrods ‘avoiding financial responsibility’ for Fayed’s abuseEvening StandardAl Fayed abuse survivor says compensation scheme is ‘an insult’ and ‘a disgrace’Daily Mail NewsAl-Fayed: Who looked away? Gripping new Daily Mail podcast series says Harrods owner was as prolific a sex abuser as Epstein. Here, his victims tell their haunting stories of being cornered in his luxury properties
Read today's full feed at The Newshound →