David Sullivan: West Ham co-owner suing the BBC in £150m defamation claim over Panorama documentary | Football News
David Sullivan is suing the BBC in a £150m defamation claim over a Panorama documentary.
The West Ham United co-owner is seeking damages after issuing a High Court defamation claim after the BBC broadcast Predator: The Billionaire Football Boss.
The claim relates to the programme broadcast in June 2026, which examined allegations made by seven women about Sullivan’s conduct during the 1980s and 1990s.
Sullivan denies the allegations and in court documents seen by Sky Sports News, he argues the documentary falsely portrayed him as a sexual predator engaged in criminal behaviour.
Sullivan alleges the BBC failed to meet standards of responsible journalism, ignored evidence that challenged key allegations and presented disputed claims as fact.
As well as £150m in damages, Sullivan is seeking a court order requiring the removal of the documentary from BBC platforms and preventing further publication of the allegations.
The BBC has been approached for comment.
On June 6, Sullivan stepped down from his position as joint-chair of West Ham. In a statement at the time, the club said he resigned after being made “aware of the impending publication of serious historic allegations”.
