Women accuse West Ham billionaire David Sullivan of preying on them for sex17:46, 08 Jun 2026Businessman David Sullivan is facing allegations from a number of women that he abused his power and preyed on them for sex - claims which he denies.In a new Panorama programme the BBC says seven women have come forward to say they he showed sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour towards them when they were young models looking for work at the Daily and Sunday Sport which was run by Sullivan.One of them, who is given the name Florence in the programme, says she felt pressured to have sex with Sullivan even though she did not want to. Another former model said he propositioned her for sex.Previously at the weekend Panorama confirmed it had been working on an investigation into Sullivan and his behaviour. The programme has the title Predator: The Billionaire Football Boss. Seven women accuse West Ham billionaire David Sullivan of preying on them for sexPreviously at the weekend the programme confirmed it had been working on an investigation into Sullivan and his behaviour.A statement said: “BBC Panorama and The Times newspaper have been working together on a joint investigation into the behaviour of David Sullivan, who has announced he is stepping down as Joint-Chair and Director of West Ham United FC. Over decades, he’s made millions from pornography, newspapers, and football.The investigation is due to be broadcast and published on Monday.”Sullivan stepped down from his position as joint chairman of West Ham on June 6 with immediate effect.In a statement he said: "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."He said he was doing so to fight what he said were false allegations about his conduct.He added: ”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.”He went on to say: "I believe the entire process has been fundamentally unfair and completely lacking in any due impartiality," he added."The false allegations levelled against me have been sensationalised by the mediaArticle continues below"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. I am stepping down to apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations.”* Panorama will air on the BBC tonight at 8pm.Like this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .