Alki David is a Nigerian-born entrepreneur, film producer, and actor who has a net worth of $50 million as of 2024. Colorful and often controversial. The 56-year-old’s journey in business and entertainment has been filled with innovation and litigation.
Early life and education
Alkiviades David came from a prominent Greek Cypriot family involved in trade and shipping. The Leventis-David family business owns Coca-Cola bottling plants in multiple countries, providing David with a multicultural growth environment. He spent his childhood in various European countries and attended high school in Switzerland. For higher education, David attended Bennington College in Vermont and later the Royal College of Art in London.
Business Venture Capital
David's entrepreneurial spirit has led him to found several companies over the years. In 1998, he co-founded London-based modeling agency Independent Models with Duncan Heath. The agency's roster includes famous models such as Helena Christensen.
In 2009, David launched FilmOn, an Internet-based television provider offering subscription services for remote viewing of local television stations. FilmOn expands 111 Pictures, the production and international sales company David co-founded with filmmaker Elliott Kastner. His other ventures include BattleCam.com, a peer-to-peer video streaming website that hosts pay-per-view tournaments related to MMA, gaming, and comedy. Additionally, he launched the home shopping website 9021go.com in 2011.
Film and television career
David's involvement in the film and television industry is multifaceted. In 2004, he made his film debut in the British film Free Diver, which he wrote, directed, and starred in. His film credits include a role in “Opa!” and “Flight of the Furious,” as well as directing the family comedy “Fish Tale,” starring Billy Zane and Kelly Brook. David has also appeared in TV series such as The Grid, Ghosts, Hotel Babylon, Trial and Retribution and Waking the Dead.
Legal issues and disputes
David's career was marred by numerous legal troubles. In 2010, major networks including CBS, NBC, ABC and Fox issued restraining orders against him for broadcasting their signals on FilmOn without permission. David countersued, arguing that Internet technology that provides free wireless broadcasts does not infringe copyright.
In 2019, David faced major 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 his role in fraud related to his Hologram Theater in Hollywood and banned from serving as an executive at a public company for five years. David accuses the California court system of corruption and claims the system is biased against him. This belief resulted in him failing to comply with court-ordered payments and court appearances.
personal life and residence
David was married several times and had two sons, Andrew and Alexander, from his first marriage. His second marriage to Emma McAllister lasted from 2007 to 2009.
David's real estate ownership includes a mansion in Beverly Hills that 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 UK.
former billionaire status
Over the years, David has been touted as a billionaire by various celebrities. However, he later admitted in a 2021 interview with The Daily Beast that his billionaire status was fabricated to boost his image. The ruse involved a publicist who promoted him as a billionaire with plans to buy an English football team, significantly boosting his public image. In fact, David faced serious financial difficulties, including an $80 million legal judgment.
in conclusion
Alki David's life has been a mixture of entrepreneurial success and legal challenge. From founding innovative companies like FilmOn and Independent Models to facing serious accusations and financial troubles, his story has seen the rise and fall of a public figure. Despite his controversy, David remains a well-known figure in business and entertainment, constantly reinventing himself through the complexities of his tumultuous journey.