Harrods survivors protest over alleged silence in Al Fayed abuse scandal

Survivors of sexual abuse by the late Harrods owner Mohamed Al Fayed held a protest outside the London department store to mark the second anniversary of the BBC documentary that brought the scandal to light. Protesters, including co-chairs of the Justice for Fayed and Harrods Survivors group Jen Mills and Lindsay Mason, accused Harrods management of “silence and delay” and claimed they are being treated as an “inconvenience.”

Survivors reported that attempts to meet with Harrods' managing director, Michael Ward, were unsuccessful, with staff instead referring them to the company's website contact page. While Harrods stated it “stands by the progress” made in supporting survivors and noted that Mr. Ward has expressed being “dreadfully sorry,” campaigners argue they have been “swept under the carpet” due to ongoing disputes between the store and the Al Fayed estate.

More than 400 allegations of sexual misconduct, including rape and human trafficking, have been made against Al Fayed and his alleged enablers, spanning from 1977 to 2014. The Metropolitan Police is currently conducting an investigation known as Operation Cornpoppy, which focuses on those who may have facilitated the crimes. At least 159 victims have contacted the police directly.