Naomi Campbell Challenges Charity Leadership Ban Amid Fraud Allegations and Governance Failures

Naomi Campbell was deemed unfit to serve as a charity trustee after being found to have “completely abdicated” her responsibilities as a trustee of her now-defunct Fashion for Relief project, according to the Charity Commission.

The Commission told a tribunal that Campbell, who is appealing a five-year ban on running charities, was “highly culpable” for mismanagement and misuse of funds at Fashion for Relief, the charity she founded in 2015.

It said Campbell demonstrated “an absence of the competence that could be expected” from a trustee when she delegated oversight to a fellow trustee and failed to engage despite clear warning signs.

Lawyers for Campbell rejected the Commission’s claims, arguing the watchdog targeted her as a “high-profile scalp.” They contend she was a victim of fraud who made an honest mistake and derived no personal benefit from the charity.

Fashion for Relief, which raised millions of pounds for anti-poverty projects through high-profile fashion events hosted by Campbell, was wound up in March 2024 after Commission-appointed managers found it insolvent.

The Commission’s inquiry report revealed poor financial management, misconduct, and chaotic record-keeping, including failures to maintain receipts or meeting minutes. The charity was charged thousands of pounds for Campbell’s luxury hotel stays, flights, spa treatments, and cigarettes.

While the charity raised £4.8 million over five years, partner charities including Save the Children and the Mayor’s Fund for London received only 10% of proceeds.

Challenging the disqualification, Campbell’s lawyers told the tribunal she was deceived by fellow trustee Bianka Hellmich, who allegedly forged documents and concealed the charity’s finances.

Campbell reportedly relied on Hellmich in good faith, believing she had the expertise to manage financial and legal matters, allowing Campbell to take a figurehead role.

Campbell’s lawyer Andrew Westwood KC stated she lacked dishonesty, integrity violations, or personal benefit, describing her reliance on Hellmich as an honest mistake.

However, Faisel Sadiq, representing the Commission, argued Campbell failed her supervisory duties regardless of her schedule. He described her as an “entirely unreliable witness” who prioritized media control over honesty and accuracy.

Sadiq claimed Campbell showed no contrition, blamed others, and remained unfit for charity trusteeship.

The Commission’s inquiry found Hellmich received £316,000 in unauthorized fees and expenses, later repaid. Hellmich was approached for comment and previously denied Campbell’s claims.

Fraud allegations against Hellmich have been referred to police by both Campbell’s team and the Commission.

Hellmich and third trustee Veronica Chou were banned from charity trustee roles for nine and four years respectively, without appealing.

The hearing continues.

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