Naomi Campbell arrived at a tribunal in London on Tuesday to appeal against a five-year ban from running a charity, with the Charity Commission arguing she is unfit to hold such a role. The supermodel was accused of 'completely abdicating' her responsibilities as a trustee of the now-defunct Fashion for Relief project.
Charity Commission's Allegations
The Commission told the tribunal that Campbell was 'highly culpable' for mismanagement and misuse of funds at Fashion for Relief, which she founded in 2015. It stated that she showed an 'absence of the competence that could be expected' from a trustee by delegating oversight to a fellow trustee and failing to engage even when problems emerged.
Campbell's Defense
Lawyers for Campbell rejected the claims, arguing the watchdog treated her as a 'high-profile scalp'. They said she was a victim of fraud who made an honest mistake and derived no personal benefit from the charity. Her lawyer, Andrew Westwood KC, told the tribunal that Campbell had relied on trusted friend and adviser Bianka Hellmich, who allegedly forged documents and kept her in the dark.
Financial Mismanagement
Fashion for Relief raised millions through fashion events but was wound up in March 2024 after being found insolvent. The Commission's inquiry highlighted shambolic financial management, including thousands of pounds charged for Campbell's luxury hotel rooms, flights, spa treatments, and cigarettes. Despite raising £4.8 million, only 10% went to partner charities like Save the Children.
Witness Credibility
Faisel Sadiq, for the Commission, called Campbell an 'unreliable witness' who focused on controlling the media narrative rather than showing contrition. Westwood dismissed these as 'hyperbolic assertions', claiming the inquiry was flawed and the Commission was determined to keep its 'high-profile scalp'.
Outcome
The tribunal will deliberate and issue a judgment within three months. Hellmich and a third trustee, Veronica Chou, were banned for nine and four years respectively and have not appealed.
