Naomi Campbell Removed as Charity Trustee Amid Financial Irregularities

Naomi Campbell Banned from Charity Work

“I am deeply disturbed by the Charity Commission's report and am conducting my own inquiry to address these serious allegations..."

Naomi Campbell's Fashion for Relief charity dissolved after investigation reveals financial mismanagement and lavish spending.

Naomi Campbell, the renowned British supermodel, has been banned from serving as a charity trustee in England and Wales for five years. This decision comes after a ruling on September 26 that her charity, Fashion for Relief, was mismanaged and financially inadequate.

Established nearly two decades ago, Fashion for Relief was supposed to provide aid to various causes, but unfortunately, it fell short of its goals due to poor management. The Charity Commission, which oversees charities in England and Wales, conducted a thorough three-year investigation into the charity's financial practices. The findings were alarming, revealing numerous instances of misconduct and mismanagement.

Campbell's philanthropic efforts have been well-documented over the years. She has been involved in various charitable causes and has even hosted fundraising events. However, this recent ruling raises concerns about her ability to manage charitable funds effectively. The ban from serving as a trustee for five years is a significant setback for Campbell's philanthropic endeavors.

An investigation by the Charity Commission uncovered alarming financial discrepancies within Naomi Campbell's Fashion for Relief charity. Between 2016 and 2022, only 8.5% of total spending went towards charitable grants, raising concerns about the organization's effectiveness.

The report exposed lavish expenditures, including thousands of pounds spent on a luxury hotel stay in Cannes for Campbell. This included indulgences such as spa treatments, room service, and cigarettes. When questioned by the regulator, trustees claimed these expenses were typically covered by a donor, but failed to provide supporting evidence.

Naomi Campbell, 54, expressed grave concern over the findings and announced an internal investigation. “I am deeply disturbed by the Charity Commission's report and am conducting my own inquiry to address these serious allegations," she stated.

 

She said, “I was not in control of my charity, I put the control in the hands of a legal employer.

“We are investigating to find out what and how, and everything I do and every penny I ever raised goes to charity.”

The Charity Commission uncovered further irregularities, revealing that Bianka Hellmich, a fellow trustee, received around £290,000 ($385,000) in unauthorized payments for consultancy services, breaching the charity's constitutional guidelines.

Tim Hopkins, deputy director for specialist investigations and standards said, “Trustees are legally required to make decisions that are in their charity's best interests and to comply with their legal duties and responsibilities.

“Our inquiry has found that the trustees of this charity failed to do so, which has resulted in our action to disqualify them.”

Fashion for Relief, established in 2005 following Hurricane Katrina, was officially dissolved and struck off the charity register earlier this year.

Despite its dissolution, Fashion for Relief's website still boasts an impressive portfolio, claiming to have organized high-profile fashion initiatives in cities like New York, London, and Cannes, raising over $15 million for global causes.

The charity's stated mission was to harness the fashion industry's power to combat poverty, promote health and education, and provide disaster relief. This was achieved through grants to partner organizations and resource allocation.

However, the Charity Commission's investigation revealed a more complex financial reality. Fortunately, approximately £344,000 ($460,000) has been recovered, with an additional £98,000 safeguarded. These funds have since been redistributed: donated to two other charities and used to settle outstanding debts.

“I am pleased that the inquiry has seen donations made to other charities which this charity has previously supported,” Hopkins added.