David Sullivan, co-owner of West Ham United, is suing the BBC for £150m following a Panorama documentary that aired in June. Lawyers acting for Sullivan have lodged a High Court claim against the corporation, alleging "libel and malicious falsehood" over the investigation titled "Predator: The Billionaire Football Boss".
The documentary featured three women who alleged Sullivan abused his power as owner of the Sport newspapers to prey on them for sex while they were seeking work. A further four women accused Sullivan of exploitative and predatory behaviour, including claims he tried to pressure them into sex during business meetings.
Sullivan has denied the accusations, stating they are "factually incorrect and entirely false". He previously vowed to take legal action against the BBC before the programme was broadcast. The High Court claim states the show caused Sullivan "grave, catastrophic, and irreparable harm" to his reputation and business interests.
It has also emerged that Sullivan has faced restrictions on his contact with West Ham's women's and youth teams since 2023 due to a safeguarding investigation. Sullivan stated through lawyers that these restrictions were part of a "negotiated and temporary agreement" and related to a "single anonymous complaint" from an event in 1981, which he claims "never happened".
The BBC declined to comment on the lawsuit. The corporation is currently involved in another high-profile legal case, defending a claim brought by Donald Trump over a separate Panorama episode.