Key facts
- The Charity Commission told a tribunal Naomi Campbell was "highly culpable" for mismanagement at her defunct Fashion for Relief project.
- Campbell is appealing a five-year ban on running a charity.
- Her lawyers claim she was a victim of fraud and made an honest mistake, delegating oversight to a trusted friend.
- Fashion for Relief was wound up in March 2024 after being found insolvent.
- An inquiry found "shambolic financial management" and that partner charities received only 10% of funds raised.
- Fellow trustee Bianka Hellmich allegedly received £316,000 in unauthorised fees and expenses.
The Charity Commission has argued that supermodel Naomi Campbell is unfit to run a charity, citing her "complete abdication" of responsibilities as a trustee of her now-defunct Fashion for Relief project. The commission told a tribunal that Campbell was "highly culpable" for mismanagement and misuse of funds, seeking to uphold a five-year ban on her running a charity.
Campbell's legal team rejected these claims, asserting she was a victim of fraud and had made an honest mistake by relying on a trusted friend and fellow trustee, Bianka Hellmich, to manage the charity's finances. They argued the watchdog was pursuing her as a "high-profile scalp" and that it was not in the public interest to disqualify someone who had been deceived.
Fashion for Relief, which raised millions for anti-poverty causes through high-profile events hosted by Campbell, was wound up in March 2024 after being found insolvent. An inquiry report detailed "shambolic financial management, misconduct and chaotic record-keeping," including a failure to keep receipts or minutes. In one instance, thousands of pounds were charged to the charity for Campbell's personal expenses, including luxury hotel rooms, flights, and spa treatments. Over five years, partner charities received only 10% of the £4.8 million raised.
Campbell's lawyers contended that she had delegated responsibilities to Hellmich, believing she had the necessary expertise, allowing Campbell to focus on a figurehead role. However, the commission's lawyer argued that Campbell failed in her duty to proactively supervise the charity's business, regardless of her busy schedule or location. The commission also described Campbell as an "entirely unreliable witness" who had not shown contrition and tended to blame others.
The inquiry found that Hellmich received £316,000 in unauthorised fees and travel expenses, which she has since repaid. Allegations of forgery and fraud against Hellmich have been referred to the police. Hellmich and a third trustee, Veronica Chou, have been banned from holding charity trustee positions for nine and four years, respectively, and have not appealed.