Naomi Campbell called unfit to run a charity in her appeal against ban | Naomi Campbell

Naomi Campbell is fighting a five-year ban on running charities after the Charity Commission accused her of “completely abdicating” her duties at Fashion for Relief. The watchdog told a tribunal the supermodel was “highly culpable” for fund misuse and mismanagement at the now-defunct project.

The Charity Commission claims Campbell showed an “absence of the competence that could be expected” from a trustee. According to the watchdog, she delegated oversight to another trustee and failed to engage even after problems became evident.

Why was Naomi Campbell banned from running charities?

The ban follows an inquiry into Fashion for Relief, a charity Campbell founded in 2015 to support anti-poverty projects. The commission’s report detailed “shambolic financial management” and chaotic record-keeping, including a failure to keep minutes of decisions or receipts.

While the charity raised £4.8m over five years, the commission found that partner organizations—including the Mayor’s Fund for London and Save the Children—received only 10% of the proceeds. In some instances, the charity paid for Campbell’s cigarettes, spa treatments, flights, and luxury hotel rooms.

How does Naomi Campbell defend her actions?

Lawyers for Campbell argue she’s a victim of fraud rather than a perpetrator of mismanagement. Andrew Westwood KC told the tribunal that Campbell relied in good faith on a fellow trustee, Bianka Hellmich, to manage financial and regulatory matters.

Westwood stated Campbell acted as a figurehead and was kept in the dark through forged emails and documents. He argued Campbell derived no personal benefit from the charity and that the watchdog treated her as a “high-profile scalp.”

What happened to the other trustees of Fashion for Relief?

The commission found that Bianka Hellmich received £316,000 in unauthorized travel expenses and fees over two years, though she has since repaid the money. Hellmich has previously told the Guardian there’s “absolutely no truth” to Campbell’s claims.

Both Hellmich and a third trustee, Veronica Chou, were banned from holding trustee positions for nine and four years, respectively. Neither woman has appealed their disqualification.

What happens next in the legal proceedings?

The tribunal hearing continues to determine if Campbell’s five-year ban should be overturned. Faisel Sadiq, representing the commission, argued that Campbell remains unfit to be a trustee and described her as an “entirely unreliable witness.”

Additionally, the forgery and fraud allegations against Hellmich may lead to further action. Both the commission and Campbell’s legal team have referred these matters to the police.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of funds went to partner charities?
According to the Charity Commission, only 10% of the £4.8m raised went to partner charities like Save the Children.

Who is Bianka Hellmich?
Hellmich was a fellow trustee and adviser to Naomi Campbell who was banned for nine years after receiving £316,000 in unauthorized fees.

What specific expenses did the charity cover for Campbell?
The inquiry found the charity was charged thousands of pounds for Campbell’s use of luxury hotel rooms, flights, spa treatments, and cigarettes.

Do you believe high-profile figureheads should be held legally responsible for the financial mismanagement of their charities?