Panorama highlights wealth and power enable abuse and exploitation

The harrowing Panorama documentary broadcast by the BBC on the 8^th June 2026 shows an investigation into former co-chairman of West Ham United, David Sullivan. ‘Predator: The Billionaire Football Boss’ features allegations from several women who accuse Sullivan of sexual abuse. These allegations span decades.

Kingsley Hayes, partner at KP Law, comments:

“The stories told in the BBC Panorama are harrowing but sadly echo the experiences of many survivors who have suffered at the hands of high-profile individuals. For too long, individuals and organisations have been able to use their power and wealth to both control and influence individuals, and to hide, often in plain sight.  The fear of both potential repercussions and not being believed keep many survivors silent and this fear is weaponised by abusers.

Recent history has demonstrated that without the proper safeguarding in place, absolute power alongside absolute wealth can lead to systematic abuse and exploitation. This needs to stop, lessons need to be learnt, and new safeguards need to be put in place to stop institutional abuse happening again and again.”

KP Law is currently representing over 270 survivors of systemic abuse perpetrated by Al-Fayed, the former owner of Harrods, to seek redress and justice.

Individuals who have suffered sexual abuse and exploitation as part of a large group of survivors, whether in a personal, professional, or an institutional setting are entitled to seek justice and redress. KP Law provides impartial, independent legal advice and support to individuals who have experienced large-scale systematic or institutional abuse at the hands of one or more perpetrators.