David Sullivan sues BBC for £150m over Panorama allegation

Former West Ham United co-chairman David Sullivan is suing the BBC for more than £150 million over allegations aired in a Panorama documentary.

The businessman has launched a High Court claim over what his lawyers describe as “defamatory” allegations concerning his conduct decades ago. Sullivan has repeatedly denied the claims.

In June, the BBC and The Times published accounts from seven women who alleged Sullivan had engaged in sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour.

The allegations relate to the 1980s and 1990s, when Sullivan owned the Daily Sport and Sunday Sport newspapers. He has previously said he “categorically denies” the claims.

Sullivan stepped down as West Ham’s joint chairman and as a director shortly before the allegations were published.

At the time, he said he wanted to devote his attention to fighting what he described as “factually incorrect and entirely false, decades-old allegations concerning my personal life”.

A spokesperson for GSP Law, which represents Sullivan, confirmed on Thursday that the firm had been instructed to pursue a High Court claim against the BBC seeking more than £150 million in damages.

Court records show Sullivan filed a claim against the corporation for “libel and slander” on Thursday afternoon. Detailed documents setting out the claim were not immediately publicly available.

The BBC declined to comment on the legal action.

Essex Police previously said it had “received some contact” following publication of the allegations and that inquiries were continuing.

The Independent Football Regulator also said in August that inquiries into Sullivan’s suitability under its Owners, Directors and Senior Executives regime were “active and ongoing”.

Sullivan remains a major shareholder in West Ham United despite stepping down from his leadership roles at the club. He currently owns 38.8% of the shares.