Naomi Campbell Banned from Charity Trustee Role Amid Financial Misconduct Allegations
Naomi Campbell, the iconic British supermodel, has been barred from serving as a charity trustee in England and Wales for five years. This decision came after the Charity Commission’s investigation into her organisation, Fashion For Relief, revealed significant financial mismanagement. The inquiry, which lasted three years, found that the charity was “poorly governed” with inadequate financial oversight.
Campbell’s Response
Naomi Campbell responded to the allegations, calling the findings “deeply flawed.”
While acknowledging her ultimate responsibility as the face of the organisation, Campbell clarified that she wasn’t directly involved in its daily operations.
She stated that she had entrusted the legal and operational management to others and has now hired new advisers to investigate the situation further.
Fashion For Relief was established in 2005 to support various causes, including poverty alleviation, health, and education.
Despite its philanthropic goals, the Charity Commission uncovered that only 8.5% of the funds raised between April 2016 and July 2022 were directed toward charitable causes.
The report also highlighted questionable expenses, including thousands of pounds spent on Campbell’s luxury hotel stays in Cannes, spa treatments, and cigarettes
Campbell also defended her commitment to charity, stating, “Everything I do and every penny I ever raised goes to charity.”
Misconduct by Other Trustees
The report also revealed misconduct by other trustees. Bianka Hellmich, a fellow trustee, received unauthorised payments of £290,000 ($385,000) for consultancy services, breaching the charity’s constitution.
She has been banned from serving as a trustee for nine years, while another trustee, Veronica Chou, has been disqualified for four years.
Fashion For Relief was officially dissolved in March 2024, with around £344,000 recovered and £98,000 in charitable funds protected. The Charity Commission has since redistributed these funds to other charities.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings