Naomi Campbell was described as unfit to manage a charity during her appeal against a five-year ban, with the Charity Commission alleging the supermodel completely neglected her trustee duties for the now-defunct Fashion for Relief. The watchdog told a tribunal that Campbell bore significant responsibility for the mismanagement and misuse of funds at the charity she founded in 2015.
Charity Commission's Allegations
The Commission argued that Campbell demonstrated an absence of the competence expected from a trustee, having delegated oversight to a fellow trustee and failing to engage properly even when problems emerged. Campbell's legal team countered these claims, asserting that the watchdog treated her as a high-profile target and that she was a fraud victim who made an honest mistake without personal gain.
Fashion for Relief's Downfall
Fashion for Relief, which raised millions through glamorous events hosted by Campbell, was wound up in March 2024 after being found insolvent. A subsequent inquiry revealed chaotic financial management, misconduct, and poor record-keeping, including missing receipts and meeting minutes. The charity charged thousands for Campbell's luxury hotel stays, flights, spa treatments, and cigarettes. Despite raising £4.8 million, only 10% reached partner charities like Save the Children.
Campbell's Defense
Campbell's lawyers argued she was deceived by fellow trustee Bianka Hellmich, who allegedly forged documents and hid financial issues. Campbell relied on Hellmich, a trusted friend, to manage finances and was unaware of the misuse. Her lawyer, Andrew Westwood KC, stated Campbell acted honestly and without personal benefit, calling her reliance on Hellmich an honest mistake. He argued disqualifying a fraud victim was not in the public interest.
Commission's Rebuttal
Faisel Sadiq, representing the Commission, said Campbell failed to supervise the charity proactively, noting her busy lifestyle and US residence did not exempt her. He called Campbell an unreliable witness who prioritized media narrative over honesty. Campbell showed no remorse and blamed others, remaining unfit as a trustee. Westwood dismissed these claims as hyperbolic, accusing the Commission of seeking a high-profile scalp.
Outcome and Next Steps
The inquiry found Hellmich received £316,000 in unauthorized fees and expenses, which she repaid. Hellmich denied Campbell's claims of forgery and fraud, which have been referred to police. Hellmich and another trustee, Veronica Chou, received bans of nine and four years respectively without appeal. The tribunal will deliver its judgment within three months.
