Tycoon: I'll pay up for $1m Barack Obama streaking stunt

The London businessmen behind a million-dollar bet to streak in front of Barack Obama today promised to meet his side of the bargain.

Alki David, who is in the top 50 of the Sunday Times Rich List, said he would pay up providing the White House confirms the President saw and heard Juan J Rodriguez performing the stunt.

Mr Rodriguez, 24, from New York, stripped off at a rally in Philadelphia after seeing Mr David's online pledge to pay £600,000 to anyone who would streak within sight of Mr Obama while advertising his website.

Today 42-year-old Mr David, who sold his shipping business for £600 million, said: "We are delighted someone has taken up our challenge and he'll get the money if it all checks out. We are just waiting to hear from the White House before writing the cheque."

He insisted the bet was not a waste of money, adding: "How could the money be spent better? It is a very well-planned marketing strategy."

Mr Rodriguez stood in front of Mr Obama with Battlecam.com written on his chest and shouted "Battlecam" six times before being arrested.

He will receive a cheque if the White House confirms the President was within "eyesight and earshot", Mr David said.

Mr David added that there would also be a cash payout for anyone who did the same before the Queen.

After his streak on Sunday, Mr Rodriguez was charged with indecent exposure, public lewdness and disorderly conduct. He was released on a $10,000 (£6,000) bail.

He told US reporters that his family needed the money and insisted the stunt was not inappropriate. "It's just the human body," he said.

Battlecam.com is a website where users upload photos and video stunts to win prizes.