The High Court has ordered the suspended chief executive of Pride in London to hand back access to the organisation’s bank accounts, devices and data while independent investigators examine allegations of financial misconduct and bullying.
The injunction, sought by London LGBT Community Pride (LLCP), requires Christopher Joell‑Deshields to surrender control of all company accounts, corporate data and devices by 16:00 BST on 15 September. The order also bars him from making unauthorised announcements on any of Pride in London’s websites or social media channels.
Mr Joell‑Deshields, who has been chief executive since 2021 and is 54, was suspended and removed as a director earlier this month after allegations first reported in the Guardian. He has been accused of using more than £7,000 of vouchers donated by sponsors to purchase luxury perfumes and Apple products, and of sending bullying messages to a disabled volunteer. LLCP said the claims include accusations that he created a "toxic" culture within the organisation, which has four paid staff and more than 100 year‑round volunteers.
Representing LLCP, the community interest company behind the annual Pride in London event, brought the application to the High Court to ensure investigators could access accounts and devices thought to be under Mr Joell‑Deshields’s control following his suspension. The BBC reported that staff and volunteers had been left worried about the organisation’s survival after he reportedly took control of all company accounts and devices.
Marc Brittain, counsel for Mr Joell‑Deshields, told the court that his client would consent to an order to hand over company property and accounts but denied any wrongdoing. Brittain said that the co‑operation with the court order should not be taken as an admission of breach of contract or any other misconduct.
A spokesperson for LLCP said the ruling would help allay fears about the future of the organisation and allow staff and volunteers to continue their 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," the spokesperson said.
LLCP also confirmed that the board of directors is taking action to investigate the underlying allegations and said it was not in a position to comment while those investigations take place. "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 board said.
Mr Joell‑Deshields previously told the Guardian that the matters related to the organisation were "being addressed through the appropriate channels" and that it would be "inappropriate to litigate them in the press." He said at the time that nothing in his statement should be interpreted as an admission of any allegation.
The dispute comes at a challenging time for Pride organisations nationally, which have reported difficulties attracting financial support. Volunteers had expressed concern that the dispute could damage public trust and jeopardise future events. LLCP said the court's decision would help dispel fears about the charity's continuity and allow independent investigators to proceed with their enquiries.
The High Court order remains in force while the investigations continue. LLCP has instructed independent investigators to examine the allegations; the organisation said it would co‑operate with any lawful process. The BBC has contacted Mr Joell‑Deshields for further comment.