Seven Women Accuse West Ham Co-Owner David Sullivan

By Eppe Franklyne| David Sullivan, co-owner of West Ham United, has been accused by seven women of using his position to seek sexual favours from young models pursuing work at his former newspaper businesses, according to an investigation by the BBC and The Times published on Monday.

The women alleged that Sullivan attempted to pressure them into sexual acts while they were seeking opportunities at the Daily Sport and Sunday Sport newspapers, publications known for featuring images of topless and scantily dressed models.

One woman told the BBC’s Panorama programme that she met Sullivan at his home in 1999 to discuss potential work opportunities. She claimed she was told she could become one of his “regular girls” if they had sex. The woman, who was 20 at the time, said she tried to refuse but later felt compelled to have sex with him.

Sullivan’s legal representatives rejected the allegation, describing the account as implausible.

The investigation also reported that eight women, including one featured in the programme, had previously raised concerns about Sullivan’s conduct with police. However, he was never charged with any offence.

In response to the allegations, David Sullivan strongly denied any wrongdoing and announced plans to take legal action against the BBC and other media organisations for libel.

The 77-year-old businessman stepped down as West Ham United co-chairman on Saturday, saying he wanted to prevent disruption to the club. In a statement, he described the allegations as “factually incorrect and entirely false.”

Sullivan built much of his fortune through the adult entertainment and media industries during the 1970s and 1980s before moving into football ownership. He became involved with Birmingham City in 1993 and later acquired a stake in West Ham United in 2010.

The development comes shortly after West Ham’s relegation from the Premier League.