David Sullivan, the former joint-chairman of West Ham United, has admitted to paying a teenager for sex during the 1990s, when he was in his 40s. The admission came as part of an investigation by BBC Panorama and The Times into allegations from seven women, aged in their late teens and early 20s, who accuse the 77-year-old billionaire of sexually exploitative behaviour.
Allegations and Denials
Sullivan, who built his estimated £1.1 billion fortune through newspapers, pornography, and football, has categorically denied the other claims against him. Paying for sex with a 16 or 17-year-old was not illegal at the time, as the offence was introduced in 2003. The investigation, published on Monday, June 8, detailed allegations that Sullivan preyed on young models seeking work at his Sport newspaper group, including the Sunday Sport and Daily Sport.
Women's Accounts
One woman alleged she felt forced to have sex with Sullivan, who told her she would be one of his newspaper's 'regular girls' if they had sex. He allegedly said: 'You'll be in all the magazines. I can give you covers, I can give you centrefolds, and you'll be one of my Sport girls.' After the encounter, he reportedly told her: 'Congratulations, you will be one of our new Sport girls and you're going to get lots of work.'
Two other women claimed they had sex with him to protect their modelling careers, with one alleging he was 'taking advantage of young people'. A third woman said she found his office door locked after he propositioned her. One alleged victim said she was invited to his Essex home for a 'business meeting' in 1998. After he suggested she could receive help if she became 'one of his special friends', she refused. She said he looked 'very shocked' and asked: 'Not even a blow job?' before she found the door locked, shouted, unlocked it, and fled.
Sullivan's Resignation
West Ham confirmed Sullivan stepped down as joint-chairman on Saturday, June 6, and resigned as a director of both WH Holding Limited and the football club. The club stated he was 'made aware of the impending publication of serious historic allegations' and denied any illegal conduct, stepping down to avoid disruption.
Statement from Sullivan
In a formal statement, Sullivan said: '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. The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the media. 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.'
He added: 'I am a private man, and those who personally and professionally know the real David Sullivan, not the caricature invented by the tabloids, know exactly who I am and what I stand for. I am absolutely not the person the media has decided to paint me as.' Sullivan also stated he would sue the BBC for libel and any other media outlet repeating libellous allegations.
Police Involvement
Seven women have made allegations about Sullivan's conduct to the Metropolitan Police and Essex Police. Scotland Yard said: 'We take all allegations of offences against women and girls extremely seriously, no matter the length of time that has passed. As with all cases, any information or evidence provided to police will be assessed and the appropriate inquiries carried out.' Police urged potential victims of sexual offences to come forward.
