British supermodel Naomi Campbell has arrived at court to give evidence of how she was “deceived” in her appeal against a Charity Commission ban.
In 2024, it was revealed the 56-year-old had been disqualified from being a charity trustee for five years after the watchdog – which regulates charities in England and Wales – found serious mismanagement of funds at Fashion for Relief, which she founded. This included using charity funds to pay for her stay at a five-star hotel in Cannes, France, as well as spa treatments, room service and cigarettes.
Campbell was one of three of the charity’s trustees to be disqualified as a result of the probe, with Bianka Hellmich disqualified for nine years, and Veronica Chou for four years.
The model launched an appeal against her ban last year, claiming she was a “victim of fraud and forgery” – including a fake email account said to have been used to impersonate her in communications with lawyers. On Tuesday, Campbell arrived at court to give evidence to a tribunal, hoping to overturn her ban.
In a written statement provided before she gave evidence, Campbell said: “I am bringing this appeal to shine a light on the deception I believe was waged against the charity, stopping money from going to the causes it was supposed to. My investigation has revealed identity fraud and deception and helps uncover why most of the funds weren’t used as intended. What my legal team has unearthed is shocking, involving fake email addresses and forged communications with the authorities. I am pleased the tribunal has given me the chance to speak out, to ensure those responsible are held accountable and justice is done. As I have said before, I have never undertaken philanthropic work for personal gain, nor will I ever do so.”
Campbell is currently giving evidence to the tribunal in person.
