An independent investigation was commissioned in September 2025 into allegations relating to Christopher Joell-Deshields' conduct while he was CEO, according to multiple reports. Following the findings of that investigation, his employment was terminated, and Pride in London announced he is no longer employed by or affiliated with the organization. The specific findings from the investigation that led to his termination have not been disclosed.
Whistleblowers claimed Christopher Joell-Deshields spent £7,125 of vouchers intended for volunteers on items including an Apple HomePod speaker, Apple AirPod earphones, and colognes such as Creed Aventus, multiple reports indicate. The pattern of the purchases strongly suggested they were for personal rather than organizational benefit, according to the whistleblowers. The identities of the whistleblowers and the nature of any evidence beyond the voucher purchases remain unclear.
There’s been no finding against me, yet people are comfortable repeating allegations as if they’re truth. That should concern all of us.
Christopher Joell-Deshields denies any wrongdoing. He claims the allegations are part of a narrative deliberately constructed and leaked by a group of white directors who carried out a boardroom takeover and then positioned themselves as the solution. He says he has never been charged with a crime and is engaged in a civil employment dispute.
According to Joell-Deshields, there has been no finding against him, yet people are comfortable repeating allegations as if they are truth, which he says should concern everyone. He added that what is missing from these conversations is how quickly a Black leader can be publicly discredited, while the actions of those now in control go largely unquestioned. The identities and roles of the directors he accused have not been specified, and the status of the civil dispute is unknown.
What’s missing from these conversations is how quickly a Black leader can be publicly discredited, while the actions of those now in control go largely unquestioned.
Christopher Joell-Deshields appealed the termination decision, and it was upheld by an independent reviewer, multiple reports state. He was being paid his full £87,500 salary while suspended prior to his dismissal, according to those reports. Rebecca Paisis has been appointed as interim CEO of Pride in London, multiple reports confirm.
Pride in London did not say whether the allegations against Christopher Joell-Deshields had been proved. In a statement, the organization said that in September 2025, the London LGBT Community Pride Board commissioned an independent investigation into allegations relating to Christopher Joell-Deshields’ conduct while he was CEO of Pride in London, prior to his suspension by the Board on 29th August 2025. Following the findings of the independent investigation, his employment has been terminated, and this decision has been reviewed and upheld by an independent counsel following an appeal process.
Pride isn’t damaged by one person — it’s damaged when governance is manipulated, stories are selectively told, and people don’t stop to question what they’re being fed.
Rebecca Paisis stated that she is focused on delivering another safe and successful Pride.
If you care about Pride, then care about the full picture — not just the version that was handed to you.