The former chairman and largest shareholder of West Ham United, David Sullivan, has been accused of sexual harassment and abuse by multiple women.
Oxu.Az reports this citing the BBC.
According to reports, Sullivan announced his resignation on June 7 amid preparations for the publication of material regarding sexual allegations against him.
On June 8, the BBC and The Times published a joint investigation spanning several decades starting in the 1980s. The material includes testimonies from seven women who were seeking jobs at Sullivan's newspapers and were aged 15-20 at the time.
The women accuse the businessman of sexual exploitation and coercion into intimate relationships during business meetings. According to allegations, Sullivan promised career advancement in exchange for sexual favors.
It is reported that in the 1980s-1990s, Sullivan had significant influence over young women seeking careers in the modeling business. A woman named Florence, whose name has been changed, stated that during a business meeting at Sullivan's home, he promised her a position as one of his newspaper's "permanent girls" in exchange for intimacy.
Florence claims that later, when she was 20, Sullivan took her to the bedroom and had sex with her.
Two other women stated they felt compelled to consent to intimacy with Sullivan to avoid harm to their modeling careers, accusing him of abuse of power.
It is noted that some of the allegations are supported by diaries, police materials, and interviews with the women's friends and family members.
Additionally, while eight women have reportedly filed police complaints regarding Sullivan's behavior, no formal charges have been brought against him so far.
