Allegations of Lavish Expenses
GLAAD President and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis is under fire after a New York Times investigation revealed extravagant spending, including a $22,000 first-class flight to Cannes Lions and a costly home office remodel funded by the LGBTQ advocacy organization.
Questionable expenditures
Between January 2022 and June 2023, Ellis’s spending allegedly violated both Internal Revenue Service regulations and GLAAD’s internal guidelines. The investigation highlighted over 30 first-class flights, including a $21,743 Delta One trip to Cannes Lions, and nearly $500,000 for a week-long chalet rental in Switzerland during the World Economic Forum in Davos.
Internal concerns and reactions
GLAAD’s former CFO, Emily Plauche, raised concerns about the misreported expenses to the IRS. Despite this, GLAAD’s board backed Ellis, citing the home office renovation’s necessity for virtual events and donor meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic.
GLAAD’s spokesperson defended the expenses, asserting that Ellis’s compensation, including bonuses, ranged from $700,000 to $1.3 million. The organization also criticized the New York Times for alleged biased reporting against transgender people, while the NYT maintained the integrity of its investigative work.
Statements from GLAAD leadership
Liz Jenkins, chairwoman of GLAAD’s board, expressed strong support for Ellis, emphasizing the importance of her leadership amidst ongoing community challenges. Ellis reaffirmed her commitment to financial stewardship and promised continuous updates to GLAAD’s procedures to match the organization’s growth.
