Philippa Kaufmann, a prominent lawyer known for her work in helping victims sue the Metropolitan Police over the handling of the John Worboys case, has now joined the legal team representing women who have come forward with allegations against Mohamed Al Fayed. The team is investigating whether the police failed in their duty to bring Fayed to justice when allegations of sexual misconduct were made against him during his ownership of Harrods.
Following the recent BBC documentary, “Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods,” more than 100 women have contacted law firms representing the alleged victims. Five women have come forward claiming they were raped by Fayed, with others alleging sexual harassment and assault. The legal team, led by Kaufmann and other lawyers, is delving into whether the police violated the Human Rights Act by not thoroughly investigating Fayed amid numerous allegations dating back to 1995.
Emma Jones, a partner at the legal firm Leigh Day, has raised concerns about potential cover-ups regarding the claims against Fayed. She emphasized the importance of understanding whether law enforcement turned a blind eye to the allegations against him. The legal team is determined to uncover the truth and seek justice for the victims who have bravely come forward with their stories.
History of Allegations Against Fayed
The allegations against Fayed date back to the mid-1990s when Vanity Fair magazine first published claims of sexual harassment involving the businessman. Subsequent reports from ITV’s The Big Story in 1997 highlighted further allegations of sexual misconduct against Fayed. Despite these early accusations, the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to prosecute Fayed in 2009 after claims of sexual assault on a 15-year-old girl at Harrods. A renewed investigation in 2015 also did not result in any charges being filed against him.
The repeated allegations and lack of legal action against Fayed have raised questions about the thoroughness of police investigations and whether there was a deliberate effort to overlook his behavior. The legal team working on behalf of the alleged victims is determined to shed light on any potential mishandling of the case and hold accountable those responsible for ensuring justice is served.
Call for Public Inquiry
As more women continue to come forward with their accounts of abuse by Fayed, there is growing momentum for a public inquiry to be conducted. Emma Jones stressed the importance of understanding whether crucial information was suppressed or ignored by authorities. The legal team believes that a public inquiry could provide valuable insights into the extent of the allegations against Fayed and whether there was a concerted effort to protect him from facing consequences for his actions.
Dean Armstrong, a barrister representing some of the alleged victims, revealed that over 100 women have already shared their experiences with the legal team. He expressed disappointment that public figures only began speaking out about Fayed’s behavior after his death, highlighting the need for greater accountability and transparency in cases of sexual misconduct and abuse.
Revelations and Criticisms
Former Home Secretary Jack Straw’s decision to reject Fayed’s application for British citizenship in 1999 based on concerns about his character has come under scrutiny in light of the recent allegations. Straw’s remarks about Fayed being a “bully” have resonated with those who have been affected by his actions. Gaute Haugenes, the former manager of Fulham football club’s women’s team, revealed that they had taken steps to protect female players from Fayed’s predatory behavior due to their awareness of his preferences.
The legal team working on behalf of the victims has emphasized the need for accountability and justice in the wake of the allegations against Fayed. They believe that a public inquiry is essential to uncovering the truth and ensuring that those responsible for enabling Fayed’s behavior are held to account. The bravery of the women who have come forward with their stories has been commended, and their voices must be heard in the pursuit of justice and closure.
The revelations surrounding Mohamed Al Fayed’s alleged misconduct have sparked a national conversation about accountability, transparency, and the need for systemic changes to prevent such abuses from recurring. The legal team’s efforts to investigate the allegations and seek justice for the victims represent a crucial step towards addressing the issue of sexual misconduct and holding those responsible accountable for their actions.
