David Sullivan launches £150m defamation claim against BBC over documentary
David Sullivan has launched a £150m High Court defamation claim against the BBC and is seeking the removal of its documentary, Predator: The Billionaire Football Boss, from the broadcaster’s platforms.
Key facts
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legal action | High Court defamation claim against the BBC |
| Damages sought | £150m |
| Documentary | Predator: The Billionaire Football Boss |
| West Ham shareholding | 38.8 per cent |
The programme included allegations by seven women concerning Sullivan’s conduct during the 1980s and 1990s. Sullivan denies wrongdoing and is also asking the court to block any further publication of the allegations, relying on section 13 of the UK Defamation Act.
The BBC has not commented on the case.
In his claim, Sullivan alleges that the broadcaster showed “reckless indifference to the truth” and was deliberately blind to issues surrounding the complaints. He argues that seven disputed and uncorroborated historical accounts were presented as proof of a 30-year pattern of criminal sexual exploitation.
Sullivan says the broadcast triggered serious commercial consequences, including damaged banking relationships and financial losses across his property, private-equity and corporate-investment interests. He also claims his medically confirmed distress was disregarded.
West Ham position
Sullivan resigned from his director’s role at West Ham after what he described as allegations about his private life. He called them factually wrong. The club said it had been informed that serious historic allegations were due to be published.
West Ham stressed that the claims did not concern the club or its operations. Sullivan has likewise said none of the allegations relate to his more than three decades in football.
He has suggested the accusations were an inevitable consequence of his former adult-entertainment business interests.
Sullivan retains a 38.8 per cent holding in the Championship club, although he is reportedly willing to sell his shares. The next step is for the High Court to consider the defamation action, with a potentially prolonged dispute against the BBC now in prospect.
