Supermodel Naomi Campbell Barred from Charity Trusteeship for Five Years After “Fashion for Relief” Mismanagement

Supermodel Naomi Campbell has been barred from serving as a charity trustee in England and Wales for five years after the Charity Commission found her foundation, “Fashion for Relief,” to have been “poorly governed” and “inadequate in its financial management,” The Associated Press reports.

The Charity Commission, which regulates charities in England and Wales, conducted a three-year investigation into the foundation’s finances, revealing “multiple instances of misconduct and/or mismanagement.” The investigation found that a mere 8.5% of the charity’s overall expenditure went towards charitable grants over a six-year period (2016-2021).

Among the findings, the Commission highlighted the use of thousands of pounds in charity funds for Campbell’s personal expenses, including a luxury hotel stay in Cannes, France, along with spa treatments, room service, and even cigarettes. While trustees attempted to explain these costs as being covered by a donor, the Commission found no evidence to support this claim.

Campbell, who was recently knighted in France’s Order of Arts and Letters, expressed concern over the findings and stated she is currently conducting her own investigation.

“I was not in control of my charity, I put the control in the hands of a legal employer,” she said. “We are investigating to find out what and how, and everything I do and every penny I ever raised goes to charity.”

The Commission also discovered that fellow trustee Bianka Hellmich received unauthorized funds totaling £290,000 ($385,000) for consultancy services, violating the charity’s constitution. She has been disqualified as a trustee for nine years. Another trustee, Veronica Chou, has been barred for four years.

Founded in 2005 in response to Hurricane Katrina, “Fashion for Relief” aimed to unite the fashion industry to combat poverty and support health and education. Despite raising over $15 million for various causes globally, the charity was dissolved and removed from the register of charities earlier this year.

The Commission has recovered approximately £344,000 ($460,000) and protected an additional £98,000 of charitable funds. These funds have been used to make donations to other charities and settle outstanding liabilities.