{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/35669120-6056-4c38-8f33-80df7112e8df/6a27235ba917ce4c7019f6a7?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Billionaire West Ham co-owner accused of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/61ba0e441a8cbeb3393cf13c/1780949843709-4f85a10c-bb2e-412b-9ce8-e17a0bb4674c.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>David Sullivan has been accused of sexually exploitative and predatory behaviour by several women dating back to the 1980s. In a joint investigation with the BBC, The Times has spoken to seven women about their experiences.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>In his statement on 4 June, Sullivan announced his immediate resignation as joint-chair and director of West Ham, saying the “false allegations” had been “sensationalised” and none related to his time in football.&nbsp;He added: “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. I categorically deny these claims.”&nbsp;Before publication, Sullivan said that he reserved his legal rights in relation to “false or defamatory allegations” and would not be commenting further at this stage.</p><p><br></p><p><em>This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: </em><a href=\"http://thetimes.com/thestory\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><em>http://thetimes.com/thestory</em></a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Guests:&nbsp;</strong></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><ul><li>Charlotte Wace, investigations correspondent, The Times.&nbsp;</li><li>Shanti Das, senior investigations reporter, The Times.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>Host: </strong>Manveen Rana.</p><p><strong>Producer: </strong>Micaela Arneson.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Additional thanks to:&nbsp;</strong></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><ul><li>James Beal, investigations editor, The Times.&nbsp;</li><li>Charlotte Alt, news reporter, The Times.&nbsp;</li></ul><p><strong>We want to hear from you - email:</strong> <a href=\"mailto:thestory@thetimes.com\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">thestory@thetimes.com</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Read more:</strong> <a href=\"https://www.thetimes.com/uk/media/article/david-sullivan-west-ham-daily-sunday-sport-accused-k9wtbtkt5\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">David Sullivan was ‘untouchable’. Now seven women are speaking out</a></p><p><strong>Photo:</strong> Getty Images.&nbsp;</p>","author_name":"The Times"}