Harrods is seeking to remove Heini Wathen-Fayed, the widow of businessman Mohamed Al Fayed, and their daughters Camilla and Jasmine Fayed, from their roles as executors of his £118 million estate. The company's application to the High Court stems from concerns that the family cannot fairly manage compensation claims from more than 300 women who have accused Al Fayed of sexual abuse.
A court heard that Harrods is requesting funds from the estate to compensate these alleged victims. This marks the first court proceeding related to the scandal that emerged following Al Fayed's death in 2023 at the age of 94. Hundreds of women have come forward with accusations of rape and serious sexual abuse.
However, opinions among the accusers are divided regarding the removal of the executors. A majority of the 270 women represented by KP Law do not support the bid, stating that the estate is actively engaging with them to resolve claims. Conversely, 60 women represented by Leigh Day do support the application.
Lawyers for Harrods informed the court that the estate faces a serious risk of insolvency, with its total value standing at £118 million against estimated damages sought by KP Law of £150 million. The legal team argued that the family, as both beneficiaries and executors, are in a position of conflict and cannot objectively handle the claims. They suggested that preferential treatment might be given to certain claims, hindering progress.
Representing the Wathen-Fayed and Camilla Fayed, lawyers countered that the threshold for replacing executors has not been met. They stated that the estate is now willing to settle claims, despite earlier suggestions that Heini Wathen-Fayed had expressed doubts about the veracity of the accusations.
Tracey Angus KC, representing Jasmine Fayed, indicated her client desires fair and prompt resolution of claims but has concerns about the proposed independent executors. Omar Al Fayed is also challenging an amendment to his father's will that replaced him as an executor with Jasmine, and he supports the appointment of independent administrators. Al Fayed's other son, Karim, opposes the change.
The case is linked to compensation claims launched against Harrods and the estate after the store established a redress scheme. This scheme offered survivors up to £385,000 from an initial £60 million fund, with over 110 individuals compensated to date, totaling £6.1 million. However, over 300 women have pursued legal action separately, expressing concerns about conflicts of interest and the scheme's procedures, particularly a requirement for claimants to sign waivers absolving Harrods of further liability.
The hearing, presided over by Chief Master Karen Shuman, is ongoing.