FORMER West Ham chief David Sullivan preyed on seven women and teens for sex, a bombshell investigation claims.
The billionaire, 77, quit after 16 years as the Hammers’ boss ahead of “the impending publication of serious historic allegations”.
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David Sullivan had been West Ham co-owner since 2010 Credit: Getty
He has slammed the claims as ‘defamtory’ Credit: Getty Images – Getty
A Times and BBC Panorama investigation today accused Sullivan of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour.
Sullivan, who made his money in the porn industry, released a statement over the weekend branding the allegations “defamatory” as he vowed to sue the BBC for libel.
He said: “I have not been provided with any proper explanation as to how these individuals or their claims were independently verified or assessed for credibility prior to publication.
“I believe that the entire process has been fundamentally unfair and completely lacking in any due impartiality. I will be suing the BBC for libel, along with any other media outlet that repeats any libellous allegations.
Sullivan and David Gold previously co-owned Birmingham before buying the Hammers Credit: PA
His resignation comes weeks after Baroness Karren Brady also stepped down Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
“None of these allegations relate to my more than 30 years in football; West Ham United has been one of the greatest passions and privileges of my life.
“I care deeply about the club, its supporters, its players, its staff, and its future. At what is already a challenging and important time for the club, I refuse to allow personal matters concerning me to become an unnecessary distraction or a source of instability.”
Sullivan’s statement went on to add: “I am stepping down to apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations.
“I have officially engaged my legal team and we are preparing to issue legal proceedings in respect of each and every false complaint that has been made against me. I will be seeking full redress, legally and publicly, on every single front.”
It comes after West Ham’s relegation Credit: Getty
David Sullivan’s statement in full
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.
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.
I have not been provided with any proper explanation as to how these individuals or their claims were independently verified or assessed for credibility prior to publication. I believe that the entire process has been fundamentally unfair and completely lacking in any due impartiality. I will be suing the BBC for libel, along with any other media outlet that repeats any libelous allegations.
None of these allegations relate to my more than 30 years in football; West Ham United has been one of the greatest passions and privileges of my life. I care deeply about the club, its supporters, its players, its staff, and its future. At what is already a challenging and important time for the club, I refuse to allow personal matters concerning me to become an unnecessary distraction or a source of instability.
Therefore, after very careful consideration and with a heavy heart, I have decided to resign as Joint-Chair and Director of West Ham United FC with immediate effect.
This has been an incredibly painful decision to make, but it is one made out of love, respect, and responsibility toward a football club and a fan base that deserve absolute unity and focus moving forward.
I am stepping down to apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations. I have officially engaged my legal team and we are preparing to issue legal proceedings in respect of each and every false complaint that has been made against me. I will be seeking full redress, legally and publicly, on every single front.
As I depart, I want to thank everyone connected with West Ham United, past and present, for the loyalty, friendship, memories and European adventures and successes that I will carry with me forever. West Ham United will always remain close to my heart, and I have total confidence that the Board of Directors and interim Chief Executive Officer Karim Virani will do everything they can to take the club forward in the right direction. I wish everyone connected with the club every success in the future.
I will not be making further public comment at this stage, but I reserve all legal rights available to me in relation to any false or defamatory allegations.
David Sullivan
Sullivan made his fortune selling mail-order softcore photographs before he and late West Ham co-owner David Gold expanded into the adult entertainment industry.
The pair opened sex shops, made low-budget blue movies and published porn magazines.
Sullivan was convicted of living off immoral earnings of prostitutes but was released fom prison after 71 days following a successful appeal.
He and Gold ran Birmingham City before taking over West Ham in 2010.
His resignation comes just weeks after Baroness Karren Brady quit as West Ham vice-chair after 16 years.
The Tory peer and star of The Apprentice had been on the Hammers board since 2010.
Her role alongside Sullivan and Gold saw Brady, 57, become one of the Premier League’s most prominent woman in the game.
Following Brady’s exit, executive director Nathan Thompson stepped down with immediate effect, while financial director Andy Mollett will depart at the end of the season.
Sullivan’s departure comes shortly after West Ham were relegated to the Championship following a 14-year stay in the Premier League.
He will retain his 38.8 per cent stake in the club.
His sons sons, Jack and David Jnr, remain listed as directors of the club.
A Hammers club statement read: “West Ham United can confirm that Joint-Chair David Sullivan has stepped down from his position with immediate effect.
“Mr Sullivan has also resigned as a director of both WH Holding Limited and West Ham United Football Club, having been made aware of the impending publication of serious historic allegations.
“It is understood none of the allegations relate to West Ham United or any of its operations.
“Through his own legal representatives Mr Sullivan denies any illegal conduct and has taken the decision to step down in order to avoid disruption to the Club while he addresses the matter privately.
“Interim Chief Executive Officer Karim Virani, reporting into the current Board of Directors, will continue to be responsible for leading the Club’s day-to-day operations.
“The Club will provide an update on the future structure of the Board of Directors in due course, but will make no further comment at this time.”
