Alki David, a Nigerian-born entrepreneur, filmmaker, and actor, has a net worth of $50 million as of 2024. Born on May 23, 1968, in Lagos, David has led a varied and often controversial career. At 56 years old, his journey through the business and entertainment worlds is marked by both innovation and litigation.
Early Life and Education
Alkiviades David hails from a prominent Greek-Cypriot family involved in the trading and shipping industries. The Leventis-David Group, the family business, owns Coca-Cola bottling plants in multiple countries, providing David with a multicultural upbringing. He spent his childhood in various European countries, attending high school in Switzerland. For higher education, David attended Bennington College in Vermont and later, the Royal College of Art in London.
Business Ventures
David’s entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish several companies over the years. In 1998, he co-founded Independent Models, a London-based modeling agency, with Duncan Heath. The agency’s roster included notable models like Helena Christensen.
In 2009, David launched FilmOn, an internet-based television provider offering subscription services for remote viewing of local TV stations. FilmOn extended David’s production and international sales company, 111 Pictures, co-founded with film producer Elliott Kastner. Among his other ventures is BattleCam.com, a peer-to-peer video streaming site that hosts pay-per-view tournaments related to MMA, gaming, and comedy. Additionally, he launched the home-shopping site 9021go.com in 2011.
Film and Television Career
David’s involvement in the film and television industry has been multifaceted. He made his debut in 2004 with the British film “The Freediver,” which he wrote, directed, and starred in. His filmography includes acting roles in “Opa!” and “Flight of Fury,” and directorial work on “Fishtales,” a family comedy starring Billy Zane and Kelly Brook. David has also appeared in TV series like “The Grid,” “Spooks,” “Hotel Babylon,” “Trial & Retribution,” and “Waking the Dead.”
Legal Troubles and Controversies
David’s career has been marred by numerous legal battles. In 2010, major networks CBS, NBC, ABC, and Fox issued a restraining order against him for broadcasting their signals on FilmOn without permission. David countersued, arguing that offering internet technology for free over-the-air broadcasts did not infringe on copyrights.
In 2019, David faced significant legal trouble when he was ordered to pay $11 million in damages to a woman who accused him of sexual assault. He was also fined $100,000 by the SEC for engaging in fraudulent activities related to his Hologram Theatre in Hollywood and was prohibited from serving as an officer in a publicly held company for five years. David has alleged corruption within the California court system, which he claims is biased against him. This belief has led to his non-compliance with court-ordered payments and appearances.
Personal Life and Residences
David has been married multiple times and has two sons, Andrew and Alexander, from his first marriage. His second marriage to Emma McAllister lasted from 2007 to 2009. In 2011, he married swimsuit designer and former model Jennifer Stano.
David’s real estate holdings include a mansion in Beverly Hills, which he purchased in 2010 for $16.5 million and sold in 2017 for $20.4 million. He also owns properties in Greece, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
Former Billionaire Status
For many years, David was touted as a billionaire by various reputable sources. However, he later admitted in an interview with the Daily Beast in 2021 that his billionaire status was fabricated to enhance his profile. This ruse, involving a PR person who promoted him as a billionaire planning to buy an English soccer team, significantly boosted his public image. In reality, David was facing severe financial difficulties, including $80 million in legal judgments.
Conclusion
Alki David’s life is a blend of entrepreneurial success and legal challenges. From founding innovative companies like FilmOn and Independent Models to facing serious allegations and financial woes, his story is a testament to the highs and lows of a public figure. Despite his controversies, David remains a notable figure in both business and entertainment, constantly reinventing himself while navigating the complexities of his tumultuous journey.
