British Paralympian Lee Pearson Suspended Over Alleged Misconduct

Great Britain

The New York Times broke the news that Sir Lee Pearson, a six-time Paralympian, has been suspended by British Equestrian and British Dressage amid an ongoing investigation into his conduct.

Neither BEF nor BD have issued a press release on their website. Mainstream media received confirmation from both federations of the suspension.

In a statement, British Equestrian told The Athletic (NYT): “British Equestrian and British Dressage are aware of concerns and allegations that have arisen around an individual within the dressage community.

“In accordance with our own procedures, the matter is under active investigation and the individual is suspended from both organisations while that investigation takes place. No further comment will be made at this time.”

The Guardian alleges the suspension is because of "his conduct following his non-selection for Paris 2024". Pearson last competed internationally 1.5 years ago at the CPEDI Addington in March 2023. He did not campaign at all in 2024.

Knighted in 2017, the 50-year old has won 14 golds between 2000 and 2021. was Britain’s first openly gay Paralympic champion. He was ParalympicsGB’s flag bearer for Rio 2016.

On 4 July Pearson posted a statement on Facebook which he removed later on. It said he was not seeking selection for Paris 2024 after overcoming one of the “most traumatic hurdles” of his life because of a “group of truly horrendous people”.

“We have also been let down by numerous organisations whose safeguarding policies do nothing but protect their organisations and their jobs whilst causing so much pain and damage to people," he stated. "I’m quite certain I will be aiming for the para championships over the next four years including the Los Angeles Paralympic Games 2028.”