David Sullivan, the former co-owner of West Ham United, has been accused of targeting teenage models in a bombshell investigation by BBC Panorama. The 77-year-old resigned as joint-chairman of the club and has vowed to sue the BBC over what he calls 'serious historic allegations' that are set to be published.
Allegations of Paying for Sex
A joint investigation by Panorama and The Times claims that Sullivan admitted to paying for sex in the 1990s with a girl he believed was 16 or 17 at the time. Paying for sex with a 16- or 17-year-old only became illegal in 2003. Seven models, who were in their late teens or early twenties when they sought work at his Daily and Sunday Sport newspapers, have come forward with allegations.
Florence's Account
One woman, using the pseudonym Florence, alleges that Sullivan penetrated her after promising to make her one of his 'regular girls.' She stated that at age 20, she tried to make excuses, including being on her period, before Sullivan maneuvered her into a bedroom and initiated sex. 'This is the bit that will haunt me forever,' she said. 'He lifted his pinky in the air, his little finger, and he went, it's all right, I'll only put it in a little bit.' Florence described being in 'pure panic mode' and is '99.999999%' sure she told him, 'I don't want to, I don't want to.' She said she panicked and told him her boyfriend was outside, but Sullivan was undeterred, replying, 'It will only take a minute and he never has to know.' Sullivan's lawyers have dismissed Florence's account as 'implausible.'
Sacha's Experience
Another model, named Sacha, recalled being summoned to Sullivan's mansion for a business meeting. She was surprised to find him dressed in 'flip-flops' and a scruffy t-shirt. When he asked her to sit next to him, she felt uncomfortable. 'I put my bra back on and sat as far away as I could get,' she said. She told him, 'If you think I'm going to sleep with you to get in the paper, you've got another thing coming.' Sullivan looked shocked and asked, 'What, not even a blow job?' Sacha firmly replied, 'No, definitely not.'
Sullivan's Denial and Lawsuit Threat
Sullivan, who made his fortune in the adult industry, claims he is facing 'a small number of improper conduct claims' after meeting 'thousands of women.' In a statement, he branded the allegations as 'defamatory' and 'false,' announcing his intention to sue the BBC for libel. 'I have recently become aware that factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life are due to be broadcast and published,' Sullivan said. 'I categorically deny these claims. I am a private man, and those who know the real David Sullivan know exactly who I am.' He added that none of the allegations relate to his time in football and that he resigned to avoid distraction for the club.
Police Investigation
The Metropolitan Police confirmed they are investigating a report related to the 'alleged taking of indecent images and sexual exploitation at locations in London and Essex in the 1980s.' The investigation, led by specialist detectives, involves one alleged victim. Scotland Yard stated, 'We take all allegations of offences against women and girls extremely seriously, no matter the length of time that has passed.' They encouraged any victims of sexual offences to come forward.
Sullivan's net worth was estimated at around £1.2 billion in 2024, according to The Times Rich List.
