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The former pornography baron David Sullivan has announced his resignation as a joint-chair and director of West Ham with immediate effect. Sullivan and his legal representatives said in a statement on Saturday that the 77-year-old billionaire was stepping down to apply his “full energy and attention” to fighting what he described as “false allegations” concerning his personal conduct.
The Guardian understands that Sullivan has been approached by BBC’s Panorama about an episode it is considering broadcasting in the coming days.
Sullivan, who made his fortune in the adult entertainment industry before founding the Sport newspapers, said he was announcing his intention to stand down “for the benefit of transparency”.
He did not elaborate on the accusations but said he “categorically” denied them. He described the allegations as “factually incorrect and entirely false” and said he intended to sue the BBC if it broadcast them.
“After a lifetime spent building businesses in the adult industry, in which I have met thousands of women, it is sadly inevitable that a small number of improper conduct claims are being made against me,” he said.
Sullivan claimed to be a “private man” and “not the caricature invented by the tabloids”.
“I am absolutely not the person the media has decided to paint me as,” he said. “I have not been provided with any proper explanation as to how these individuals or their claims were independently verified or assessed for credibility prior to publication. I believe that the entire process has been fundamentally unfair and completely lacking in any due impartiality.
“I will be suing the BBC for libel, along with any other media outlet that repeats any libellous allegations.
“None of these allegations relate to my more than 30 years in football; West Ham United has been one of the greatest passions and privileges of my life. I care deeply about the club, its supporters, its players, its staff, and its future. At what is already a challenging and important time for the club, I refuse to allow personal matters concerning me to become an unnecessary distraction or a source of instability.
“Therefore, after very careful consideration and with a heavy heart, I have decided to resign as joint-chair and director of West Ham United FC with immediate effect. This has been an incredibly painful decision to make, but it is one made out of love, respect, and responsibility toward a football club and a fanbase that deserve absolute unity and focus moving forward.
“I am stepping down to apply my full energy and attention on fighting these false allegations. I have officially engaged my legal team and we are preparing to issue legal proceedings in respect of each and every false complaint that has been made against me. I will be seeking full redress, legally and publicly, on every single front.”
West Ham fans have grown increasingly frustrated with Sullivan’s leadership in recent years. Their anger reached boiling point last month when the side was relegated from the Premier League after finishing 18th.
One source said it had been “carnage” behind the scenes at West Ham over the last few weeks.
“As I depart, I want to thank everyone connected with West Ham United, past and present, for the loyalty, friendship, memories and European adventures and successes that I will carry with me forever,” Sullivan added.
“West Ham United will always remain close to my heart, and I have total confidence that the board of directors and interim chief executive officer Karim Virani will do everything they can to take the club forward in the right direction. I wish everyone connected with the club every success in the future.
“I will not be making further public comment at this stage, but I reserve all legal rights available to me in relation to any false or defamatory allegations.”
A spokesperson from West Ham said: “Mr Sullivan has resigned as a director of both WH Holding Limited and West Ham United Football Club, having been made aware of the impending publication of serious historic allegations.
“It is understood none of the allegations relate to West Ham United or any of its operations. Through his own legal representatives Mr Sullivan denies any illegal conduct and has taken the decision to step down in order to avoid disruption to the Club while he addresses the matter privately.”
The BBC has been contacted for comment.
