The BBC has confirmed a new Panorama investigation will air tonight examining accusations against David Sullivan.
The former West Ham joint chair and director stepped down from his position this weekend ahead of the “impending publication of serious historic allegations”, as per a club statement.
“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,” the statement continued.
“It is understood none of the allegations relate to West Ham United or any of its operations.”
The official synopsis for tonight’s 30-minute documentary, which is titled Predator: The Billionaire Football Boss, reads: “A joint investigation by Panorama and The Times newspaper into the behaviour of David Sullivan, who has announced he is stepping down as co-chair and director of West Ham United Football Club.
“Over decades, he’s made millions from pornography, newspapers and football.”
In a statement put out by Sullivan on Saturday 6 June alongside the news that he was stepping down from his role at West Ham, the 77-year-old 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.”
It continued: “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.”
He concluded: “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.”
Predator: The Billionaire Football Boss – Panorama airs on Monday 8 June at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
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