West Ham co-owner David Sullivan accused of 'preying on young women for sex' in Panorama report
West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has been accused by seven women of abusing his power and preying on them for sex, according to BBC's Panorama and The Times.
A joint investigation from them alleges that the incidents started in the 1980s.
Sullivan has denied all of the claims, having released a statement two days ago (6 June). He also announced that he had stepped down from his positions as joint-chair and director of the club.
The statement called the claims 'false allegations' which he categorically denied, saying he would be suing the BBC 'along with any other media outlet that repeats any libellous allegations'.
He also said that none of the allegations related to football or West Ham United.
Per the BBC's reporting on their investigation, Essex Police reviewed a number of cases and determined in each one there had been insufficient evidence to bring criminal charges.
Sullivan has not been charged in connection with any of the allegations.
Essex Police told the investigation: "Tackling violence against women and girls is a key focus for us and we take allegations of this nature very seriously."
The Met Police said they were investigating a report related to the 'alleged taking of indecent images and sexual exploitation at locations in London and Essex in the 1980s'.
Scotland Yard said in a statement: “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.
“In recent years we have been working closely with partners across the criminal justice system to ensure that victim-survivors are at the heart of our response, with a greater focus on suspects and their offending.
“We would encourage any victims of sexual offences to come forward and speak to us on 101, or 999 in an emergency.”
David Sullivan's statement in full
Sullivan and his legal representatives released a statement over the weekend. They 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.
"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 libellous 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."
LADbible Group have contacted David Sullivan's legal representative for comment.
Joe Harker