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West Ham co-owner David Sullivan accused of offering modeling jobs for sex
๐Ÿ‡ท๐Ÿ‡ด Romania /Culture & Society

West Ham co-owner David Sullivan accused of offering modeling jobs for sex

From Adevฤƒrul · () Romanian

Translated from Romanian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • British billionaire David Sullivan faces accusations of exploiting young models for sexual favors, including during his time controlling the Daily and Sunday Sport publications.
  • Seven women allege decades of exploitative behavior, with some claiming their professional opportunities were conditioned on sexual relations.
  • Sullivan has vehemently denied all accusations, calling the investigation "unfair" and based on "false claims," and has resigned as co-chairman of West Ham United.

British billionaire David Sullivan, co-owner of West Ham United football club, is facing serious accusations from seven women who allege he exploited his influence to coerce them into sexual relations, some when they were very young. The allegations span several decades, reportedly beginning in the 1980s when Sullivan managed the Daily and Sunday Sport publications.

Most of the accusers were aspiring models seeking contracts in the glamour industry. They claim Sullivan engaged in exploitative behavior, conditioning professional opportunities on sexual favors. Some women stated they felt pressured into sexual encounters during meetings presented as business discussions. One woman, identified as "Florence," recounted feeling obligated to have sex with Sullivan at age 20, an experience that significantly impacted her mental health, leading to anxiety and depression.

Other women reported accepting sexual advances out of fear that refusal would jeopardize their modeling careers. Testimonies describe instances where Sullivan allegedly tried to prevent women from leaving meetings or pressured them into accepting indecent proposals. Sullivan, 77, has categorically denied all accusations, labeling the investigation "unfair" and based on "false claims," and announced his intention to contest the information publicly.

Shortly after being informed of the investigation's impending publication, Sullivan resigned as co-chairman of West Ham United, citing a desire to focus on his personal defense. The investigation also revealed that several women had previously reported his behavior to the police, but no charges were filed due to insufficient evidence. The case raises questions for English football authorities regarding new regulations for club owners' integrity and eligibility.

The investigation is unfair and based on false claims.

โ€” David SullivanSullivan's response to the accusations made against him.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Adevฤƒrul in Romanian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.