Multiple women have accused billionaire businessman and West Ham co-owner David Sullivan of sexually exploitative behaviour spanning decades, according to a joint investigation by BBC Panorama and The Times.
The allegations, from seven women, date back to the 1980s and 1990s and involve young models seeking work at Sullivan’s Daily and Sunday Sport newspapers.
They claim he abused his position by pressuring them for sex during business meetings, offering career opportunities in exchange. Some say they felt they had no real choice due to his influence in the glamour modelling industry.
One woman, “Florence” (not her real name), said she was forced into sex during a meeting at Sullivan’s home when she was 20. She recalled being told she would become a regular model if she agreed to sexual acts.
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.” She added: “He took away my innocence… I was very suicidal for many years.” She also said, “I don’t want to, I don’t want to.”
Another woman, “Sacha Wall,” said she tried to leave a meeting but found the door locked. She recalled Sullivan suggesting she become one of his “special friends” and said she refused, adding, “If you think I’m going to sleep with you to get in the paper, you’ve got another thing coming.”
Other women described similar experiences, including being taken to Sullivan’s home under the impression of work meetings, being asked to undress, or being told sex was required to secure modelling jobs.
Several said they later worked for his publications after the encounters. One woman said she was given £50 after sex without prior agreement, which she believed was meant to silence her.
Sullivan has “categorically” denied all allegations. His lawyers described some accounts as implausible.
He resigned as joint chair of West Ham shortly after the investigation was confirmed, saying he wanted to focus on fighting what he called “factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life”, which he described as “fundamentally unfair”.
The report also states Sullivan has separately admitted paying for sex in the 1990s with a girl he believed was 16 or 17, though at the time this was not illegal under UK law until 2003.
Police forces, including the Metropolitan Police and Essex Police, are reported to have received disclosures related to his conduct, but no charges have been brought.
Essex Police said earlier decisions of no further action were correct due to insufficient evidence.
The investigation raises questions for football authorities, including the Football Association, which previously carried out a safeguarding review.
The FA said it takes all allegations seriously but would not comment on individual cases.
Sullivan has long been a major figure in English football and business, building wealth through newspapers, adult publishing, and club ownership.
He has said he will consider legal action against the BBC, insisting the claims are false and rejecting the characterisation of him as a predator.
West Ham United said it maintains robust safeguarding procedures and cannot comment on individual cases, while the club has faced renewed scrutiny over governance and integrity standards in football.
