The boss of Pride in London has been sacked after allegedly spending £7,000 of donated vouchers on luxury perfumes and Apple products.
Christopher Joell-Deshields was let go after an investigation was launched into allegations of misuse of company funds, financial mismanagement, and a failure to safeguard volunteers against bullying.
He had been CEO since 2021 and was often seen rubbing shoulders with celebrity supporters such as Naomi Campbell – but was suspended accused of using vouchers donated by a sponsor to purchase luxury products.
Whistleblowers claimed he had spent £7,125 of vouchers intended for volunteers on items including an Apple HomePod speaker, Apple AirPod earphones and colognes including Creed Aventus, which retails from £165.
The pattern of the purchases suggested they were for ‘personal – rather than organisational – benefit’, the whistleblowers said.
It was reported that he was being paid his full £87,500 salary whilst suspended, prior to his dismissal at the end of last month. He has denied any wrongdoing.
In a statement, Pride in London’s board of management said Mr Joell-Deshields is ‘no longer employed by or affiliated with London LGBT Community Pride’ – the community interest company that runs the annual event.
He appealed against the decision, but it was subsequently upheld by an independent reviewer. Pride did not say whether it had found the allegations against him proved.
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