Christopher Joell-Deshields, chief executive of Pride in London, is under internal investigation following allegations of financial misconduct and inappropriate behaviour — though he remains in post.
According to The Guardian, whistleblowers have accused Joell-Deshields, who has led the organisation since 2012, of misappropriating or misusing company gifts and funds, engaging in conduct that could damage Pride in London’s reputation, and breaching internal policies on bullying, harassment, and finance.
Sources told The Guardian that Joell-Deshields has been suspended by the newly reconstituted board of London LGBT Community Pride, the community interest company responsible for organising the parade.
Despite this, Joell-Deshields has publicly insisted he continues in his role.
“I remain in my role as CEO of Pride in London and as a director of London LGBT Community Pride CIC,” he said.
“The current legal and governance matters relate to the organisation itself. These matters are being addressed through the appropriate channels, and it would be inappropriate to litigate them in the press. Nothing in this statement should be interpreted as an admission of any allegation, nor does it comment on any other individual.”
A board spokesperson told PinkNews:
“The Board of Directors is aware of a number of allegations and is taking action to investigate these claims. We are not in a position to comment further while these investigations are taking place, save to say that we take such allegations extremely seriously, and remain committed to upholding a safe, open and inclusive organisation that is compliant with its legal and governance obligations.”
Adding to the confusion, a Pride in London press release — reportedly not authorised by the board — declared that Joell-Deshields “continues as Chief Executive Officer” and that operations remain unaffected.
This is not the first time Pride in London has faced internal strife. In May 2021, the organisation issued an apology after multiple directors resigned amid allegations of racism and bullying, including a “hostile environment” for people of colour within the organisation.
At the time, Joell-Deshields pledged to lead “transformative change,” promising a more inclusive environment for the capital’s LGBTQ+ community.
The current investigation, however, casts renewed scrutiny on the leadership and governance of Pride in London, one of the city’s most high-profile LGBTQ+ organisations.
