Widow of Mohamed Al Fayed disputes sexual abuse allegations against late Harrods owner

Mohamed Al Fayed's widow, Heini Wathen-Fayed, has stated she does not believe the allegations of sexual abuse against the late Harrods owner, according to court documents. Her position complicates a legal dispute between Harrods and Al Fayed's estate over who should cover approximately £150 million in compensation claims.

A letter from her lawyers, sent in 2024, indicated that Wathen-Fayed "does not believe that any of the allegations against the deceased are true." The lawyers also noted that "any claims would face significant limitation and evidential hurdles" and that she would "at no stage would she support any settlement," the Times reported.

Harrods is seeking to remove Wathen-Fayed and two of her daughters, Camilla and Jasmine Linnea, as executors of Al Fayed's estate. The department store argues that the estate, valued at £111 million, risks bankruptcy due to the claims and is seeking access to funds to help cover potential compensation costs.

KP Law, representing 270 women who allege they were abused by Al Fayed, stated the total value of their claims amounts to around £150 million. However, lawyers for the estate contend this figure is "overinflated," asserting that the highest possible personal injury claim would be a "small fraction" of both the amount sought and the estate's value.

Since Al Fayed's death in 2023 at the age of 94, hundreds of women have come forward with allegations of rape and sexual assault. In response, Harrods established a redress scheme for former employees who claim abuse was enabled during Al Fayed's ownership of the store from 1985 to 2010.

Other claimants, including former nannies, private assistants, and personal staff directly employed by Al Fayed, are also seeking damages. Harrods has argued that the estate is at risk of bankruptcy and is pursuing legal action to access funds for settlement payments.

Campaigners and advocacy groups have previously accused Harrods of delaying compensation and prioritizing commercial interests over survivors' needs. No One Above, a group representing alleged victims, stated that survivors' accounts and medical records should not be controlled by Al Fayed's family and called for independent executors.

Mohamed Al Fayed and Heini Wathen-Fayed were married for nearly 40 years and had four children together. Wathen-Fayed, a Finnish socialite and former model, has been involved in the legal proceedings following her husband's death. The legal wrangling is expected to continue at a High Court hearing scheduled to address the executorship of Al Fayed's estate.