West Ham Billionaire David Sullivan Accused Of Preying On Young Women

For decades, David Sullivan was considered untouchable. A self-made billionaire who built his fortune in adult entertainment and publishing before becoming one of English football's most powerful figures as owner of West Ham United. Now, seven women are speaking out. In a two-year joint investigation by The Times and BBC Panorama, allegations of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour have emerged dating back to the 1980s. Women say they were invited to Sullivan's Essex mansion for professional modelling meetings, only to face his sexual demands in exchange for career opportunities. In his statement on 4 June, Sullivan announced his immediate resignation as joint-chair and director of West Ham, saying the "false allegations" had been "sensationalised" and none related to his time in football. He said he categorically denied the allegations. He added: "After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me. I categorically deny these claims." Through his lawyers he said that he disputes Florence’s recollection of the layout of the house and says it makes her claims implausible. Before publication, Sullivan said that he reserved his legal rights in relation to "false or defamatory allegations" and would not be commenting further at this stage. PRODUCER -Yasmin Butt CAMERA -Stéphanie Bosset, Feederica De Caria GRAPHICS - Darren Burchett COURTESY -BBC, Getty #DavidSullivan #WestHam #BBCPanorama #TheTimes #Investigation Read the best of our journalism: https://www.thetimes.com/ Subscribe to the Times Originals YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/subscription_... Find us on Facebook:   / timesandsundaytimes   Find us on X: https://x.com/thetimes Find us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thetimes?lang=en Find us on Instagram:   / thetimes