An individual formerly known as a Page 3 model is set to bring forward a series of accusations against previous West Ham United owner, David Sullivan.
Scheduled to appear on the Panorama program, the woman, whose identity we are withholding, will assert that she visited the billionaire’s £7.5 million residence. She has publicly discussed an incident she claims occurred in the late 1990s while she was striving to establish herself in the field.
The visit, intended for a discussion on career prospects, left her feeling “shocked.” This development follows Mr. Sullivan, 77, who amassed a significant portion of his wealth from adult publications, stating that he would step down to focus on legal action against the BBC for defamation.
In a comprehensive statement, he refuted any wrongdoing and attributed the emergence of a few misconduct allegations to his extensive involvement in the adult industry, where he interacted with numerous women. The BBC is preparing to release a collaborative investigation with The Times tonight, highlighting various serious allegations concerning Mr. Sullivan’s personal life, to be broadcast on BBC1’s Panorama.
In a detailed online narrative, the woman, opting to remain anonymous, recounts being sent to meet Sullivan after compiling her initial modeling portfolio. She described the encounter as unforgettable, reflecting on it more deeply years later while revisiting her past through personal writing and reflection.
Upon reflection, she realized her interpretation of the meeting evolved over time. Mr. Sullivan, a co-owner of the Hammers for 16 years, amassed his fortune through producing adult entertainment in the 1970s before investing in prime real estate in London.
The upcoming Panorama segment by the BBC has garnered significant attention due to his extensive involvement in British media, adult entertainment, and football. Through her account, the woman aims to prompt discussions about figures in power and the treatment of women within the modeling and pornography sectors.
She asserts that young women entering these industries may face heightened vulnerability to coercion and undue influence. Additionally, she recounts the emotional toll of revisiting events that transpired over two decades ago, noting experiencing flashbacks upon sharing her experiences publicly.
In a statement released on Saturday, Mr. Sullivan dismissed the allegations as “decades-old” and “factually incorrect.” His decision to resign from The Hammers arrived shortly after the club’s relegation from the Premier League, expressing a heavy-hearted departure.
With an estimated worth of around £1.1 billion, Mr. Sullivan expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of proper verification or assessment of the accusations prior to their publication. He announced plans to pursue legal action against the BBC and any media outlet repeating defamatory claims, emphasizing that the allegations do not pertain to his extensive football career.
West Ham clarified that none of the forthcoming claims relate to Sullivan’s management of the East London club. Sullivan, the primary shareholder since the passing of his business partner in 2023, will retain his stake, with his sons Jack and David as potential successors.
A BBC spokesperson confirmed an ongoing joint investigation by BBC Panorama and The Times into David Sullivan’s behavior, scheduled for broadcast and publication on Monday.