British billionaire and club owner: Accused of extensive abuse

Billionaire David Sullivan, a co-owner of West Ham football club, faces accusations from seven women alleging he used his power to coerce them into sexual acts, with claims extending back to the 1980s.

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He took my virginity... I was very suicidal for many years.

The allegations emerged from a joint investigation by BBC Panorama and The Times. The women, who were in their late teens or early 20s when they sought modeling jobs with Sullivan's publications, Daily Sport and Sunday Sport, claim he pressured them into sex or oral sex in exchange for work.

One woman recounted an incident where Sullivan allegedly forced himself on her in his home, stating, "He took my virginity... I was very suicidal for many years." Another reported being locked in a room when she tried to leave a meeting with him.

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factually incorrect and completely untrue

Sullivan, 77, has categorically denied the accusations, describing them as "factually incorrect and completely false." He announced his intention to sue the BBC, asserting he is not the person the media portrays him to be. Hours after the BBC confirmed the impending publication of the exposé, Sullivan resigned as chairman of West Ham, a position he has held since 2010 as the club's largest shareholder.

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I am absolutely not the person the media has decided to portray me as.