LGBTQ advocacy non-profit organisation GLAAD’s CEO Sarah Kate Ellis is facing criticism over extravagant spending on travel, accommodation, and office renovations revealed by a New York Times report.
The report also raised concerns about potential IRS violations . Covering expenses from January 2022 to June 2023, the report highlighted first-class flights, stays at luxurious hotels, and a $20,000 home-office remodel that included ivory pillows and a chandelier.
Ellis, who earns approximately $700,000 annually, allegedly utilized at least $18,000 of a $20,000 allotment to renovate her home office in Long Island.This revamp aimed to make the space “suitable” for television appearances and virtual events, as claimed by a GLAAD spokesperson. However, GLAAD reportedly did not declare these renovation costs as income on Ellis’ tax forms, based on legal advice, potentially violating IRS rules.
Additionally, other lavish expenses flagged were hotel stays at high-end properties like the Waldorf Astoria and a $15,000 summer rental in Cape Cod. The seasonal rental was defended as a business expense since it facilitated Ellis in raising millions of dollars during a typically slow fundraising season.
Last year, these expenditures alarmed GLAAD’s then-Chief Financial Officer, Emily Plauche, who believed they conflicted with the organization’s policies and were not adequately disclosed to the IRS.
In response to the allegations, GLAAD defended the spending, with the chair of its board of directors expressing firm support for Ellis. Ellis herself said, “I take my role as GLAAD’s financial steward incredibly seriously, and we’ll continue updating our procedures to keep pace with the organization’s rapid growth.” She also emphasized the urgency of GLAAD’s work, citing the increasing attacks on the LGBTQ community, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The organization defended the expenses and criticized the Times for utilizing “significant resources to spin a negative story”, reported the New York Post.
GLAAD has been openly critical of the Times’ coverage of transgender people. In response, the Times maintained that their article was “fair, accurate and based on objective information in GLAAD’s expense reports, employment contracts, tax filings, and other documents.”
After an investigation conducted by a law firm into these concerns, GLAAD reportedly revised its travel policies.
Established in 1985, GLAAD is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the LGBTQ community and promoting cultural change. As the leading global media advocacy organization for the “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ)” community, GLAAD works to enhance media accountability and foster community engagement, according to the organisation’s website.
The non-profit strives to ensure that authentic LGBTQ stories are “seen, heard, and actualized” across various media platform and collaborates with media outlets, content creators, and community members.
The report also raised concerns about potential IRS violations . Covering expenses from January 2022 to June 2023, the report highlighted first-class flights, stays at luxurious hotels, and a $20,000 home-office remodel that included ivory pillows and a chandelier.
Ellis, who earns approximately $700,000 annually, allegedly utilized at least $18,000 of a $20,000 allotment to renovate her home office in Long Island.This revamp aimed to make the space “suitable” for television appearances and virtual events, as claimed by a GLAAD spokesperson. However, GLAAD reportedly did not declare these renovation costs as income on Ellis’ tax forms, based on legal advice, potentially violating IRS rules.
Additionally, other lavish expenses flagged were hotel stays at high-end properties like the Waldorf Astoria and a $15,000 summer rental in Cape Cod. The seasonal rental was defended as a business expense since it facilitated Ellis in raising millions of dollars during a typically slow fundraising season.
Last year, these expenditures alarmed GLAAD’s then-Chief Financial Officer, Emily Plauche, who believed they conflicted with the organization’s policies and were not adequately disclosed to the IRS.
In response to the allegations, GLAAD defended the spending, with the chair of its board of directors expressing firm support for Ellis. Ellis herself said, “I take my role as GLAAD’s financial steward incredibly seriously, and we’ll continue updating our procedures to keep pace with the organization’s rapid growth.” She also emphasized the urgency of GLAAD’s work, citing the increasing attacks on the LGBTQ community, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
The organization defended the expenses and criticized the Times for utilizing “significant resources to spin a negative story”, reported the New York Post.
GLAAD has been openly critical of the Times’ coverage of transgender people. In response, the Times maintained that their article was “fair, accurate and based on objective information in GLAAD’s expense reports, employment contracts, tax filings, and other documents.”
After an investigation conducted by a law firm into these concerns, GLAAD reportedly revised its travel policies.
Established in 1985, GLAAD is a non-profit organization dedicated to advocating for the LGBTQ community and promoting cultural change. As the leading global media advocacy organization for the “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ)” community, GLAAD works to enhance media accountability and foster community engagement, according to the organisation’s website.
The non-profit strives to ensure that authentic LGBTQ stories are “seen, heard, and actualized” across various media platform and collaborates with media outlets, content creators, and community members.