Josh ParryLGBT & Identity Reporter, Royal Courts of Justice
Getty ImagesThe suspended chief executive of Pride in London has been ordered by a court to hand back access to bank accounts for the company while under investigation for alleged financial misconduct.
Christopher Joell-Deshields was suspended as CEO of Pride in London and removed as a director of the company behind the annual event after being accused of using vouchers donated by sponsors for personal use.
The understands following his suspension he had taken control of all company accounts and devices, leaving staff and volunteers worried about the survival of the organisation.
Representatives for Mr Joell-Deshields told the court that his co-operation with the order was not an admission of guilt.
London LGBT Community Pride (LLCP), the community interest company behind the annual event, brought the case to the High Court to seek an injunction against Mr Joell-Deshields to force him to hand back access to company accounts and to return company devices.
Marc Brittain, representing Mr Joell-Deshields, said his client would consent to an order to hand over company property and accounts, but that he denies any wrong doing.
He added that Mr Joell-Deshield’s cooperation was not an admission of breach of contract or any other misconduct.
The order means the 54-year-old, who has been in charge of Pride in London since 2021, has until 16:00 BST on 15 September to hand access to all accounts, company data and devices to independent investigators looking into the allegations.
It also forbids him from making unauthorised announcements on any of Pride in London’s websites or social media channels.
Concerns had been raised that the dispute could have led to the collapse of the company and put future events in jeopardy.
Following the hearing, a spokesperson for LLCP said the ruling would help dispel fears about the future of the organisation.
They said: “Today’s outcome will ensure that our staff and volunteers can continue to carry out their invaluable work without undue obstruction.
“We remain focused on our service of the LGBTQ+ community of London, and working towards a successful Pride in London 2026”.
Getty ImagesMr Joell-Deshields was removed as director of the company and suspended as its CEO earlier this month, following allegations of bullying and claims he had used more than £7,000 of vouchers donated by sponsors to purchase luxury perfumes and Apple products.
He was also accused of sending bullying messages to a disabled volunteer and creating a “toxic” culture at the organisation which has four paid staff and more than 100 year-round volunteers.
The claims are being looked into by independent investigators acting on behalf of the board of directors.
The allegations, first reported in the Guardian, come at a difficult time for Pride organisations which say they are struggling to attract financial support.
Volunteers had previously told the they worried that the dispute would impact the public’s trust in pride organisations.
A spokesperson for LLCP told the : “The board of directors is taking action to investigate the underlying allegations raised.
“We are not in a position to comment 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.”
The has contacted Mr Joell-Deshields for comment.
He previously told the Guardian: “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.”