BBC Panorama and The Times Launch Joint Investigation into David Sullivan Over Serious Personal Conduct Allegations
BBC Panorama and The Times Launch Joint Investigation into David Sullivan Over Serious Personal Conduct Allegations
A former Page 3 model is set to make a series of allegations against billionaire businessman and former West Ham United co-chairman David Sullivan in a joint BBC Panorama and The Times investigation broadcast on Monday. Sullivan, 77, who built his fortune through adult entertainment publications and films, has denied all claims, announcing his intention to sue the BBC for libel.
The Allegations
The woman, whose identity is not being disclosed, alleges she visited Sullivan’s £7.5 million mansion in the late 1990s, when she was attempting to establish herself in the modelling industry. The meeting, she says, was presented as an opportunity to discuss career prospects.
In a lengthy written account, she describes the encounter as one she has never forgotten, saying she was left “shocked” by what occurred. She says she only fully processed the significance of the visit years later, through personal writing and self-reflection.
The woman states publicly that she wants to encourage others to speak out about the treatment of women in the modelling and pornography industries, arguing that younger women entering those sectors can be particularly vulnerable to coercion and undue influence. She also describes experiencing flashbacks after beginning to discuss her experiences.
Sullivan’s Response
In a statement issued on Saturday, Sullivan described the claims as “decades-old allegations concerning my personal life” that were “factually incorrect and entirely false.” He said he had received no “proper explanation” as to how accusers and their claims had been “independently verified or assessed for credibility prior to publication.”
Sullivan 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.”
He accused the media of sensationalising the allegations and stated he believes “the entire process has been fundamentally unfair and completely lacking in any due impartiality.” He confirmed he would pursue libel action against the BBC and any other outlet that republishes what he characterises as defamatory material.
Departure from West Ham
Sullivan announced he is stepping down from West Ham United, saying he would leave “with a heavy heart” in order to focus on contesting the allegations. His departure comes just two weeks after the club was relegated from the Premier League.
Sullivan has been the club’s largest shareholder — holding nearly 40% — since the death of his long-standing business partner David Gold in 2023. The pair had jointly acquired the club in 2010. Sullivan will retain his shareholding, with his sons Jack and David reported to be his preferred successors in the club’s leadership.
West Ham confirmed that none of the allegations set to be aired relate to Sullivan’s conduct in running the club.
Sullivan’s Business Background
Sullivan accumulated an estimated fortune of £1.1 billion through adult entertainment magazines and films from the 1970s onwards, before moving into London real estate. He also owned the Daily Sport and Sunday Sport tabloids from 1986 to 2007, selling them for £40 million.
The BBC’s Position
A BBC spokesman confirmed: “BBC Panorama and The Times newspaper have been working on a joint investigation into the behaviour of David Sullivan. The investigation is due to be broadcast and published on Monday.”
The programme has attracted significant public attention given Sullivan’s prominent roles across British media, the adult entertainment industry, and professional football over more than three decades.