David Sullivan sues BBC for £150m over Panorama documentary

West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan has issued a £150m High Court defamation claim against the BBC over the Panorama documentary Predator: The Billionaire Football Boss, broadcast in June 2026, Sky Sports News reported.

The 77-year-old argues the joint BBC/Times investigation, which aired allegations from seven women about his conduct in the 1980s and 1990s, falsely portrayed him as a sexual predator engaged in criminal behaviour. Sullivan denies the allegations in full, branding them “factually incorrect and entirely false”, the Sun reported.

In court documents seen by Sky Sports News, Sullivan alleges the BBC failed to meet standards of responsible journalism, ignored evidence that challenged key claims, and presented disputed claims as fact. He accuses the corporation of showing a “reckless indifference to the truth”, causing him “grave, catastrophic, and irreparable harm”, The Telegraph reported.

As well as £150m in damages, Sullivan is seeking a court order requiring the documentary’s removal from BBC platforms and barring further publication of the allegations.

On 6 June, Sullivan stepped down as West Ham’s joint-chair after 16 years, after being made aware of “the impending publication of serious historic allegations”. He retains a 38.8 per cent stake in the club, which was relegated to the Championship last season. The BBC has been approached for comment.