Naomi Campbell has been banned from serving as a charity trustee for five years after a U.K. watchdog found evidence of financial misconduct at her charity, Fashion for Relief. The U.K.’s Charity Commission released a report revealing that the charity was “poorly governed” and lacked proper financial oversight. Their investigation showed that less than 9% of the charity’s earnings went to actual causes, with several expenses deemed “not reasonable.” This included a stay at a five-star hotel, security for Campbell during the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, as well as spa treatments, room service, and cigarettes.
Two of Campbell’s co-trustees, Bianka Hellmich and Veronica Chou, were also barred, for nine and four years respectively. The investigation revealed Hellmich received over £290,000 (around $388,000) in consultancy fees that were unauthorized by the commission.
The Charity Commission also found that Fashion for Relief mishandled its partnerships with Save the Children Fund and the Mayor’s Fund for London. Interim managers were appointed to settle outstanding payments to these charities, totaling £345,000 (around $460,000). Tim Hopkins, deputy director of the Charity Commission, stated, “This inquiry, and the work of the interim managers…has resulted in the recovery of £344,000 and protection of a further £98,000 charitable funds.”
Founded in 2005 by Campbell, Fashion for Relief was officially registered as a charity in 2015. It has supported various humanitarian efforts, including the Ebola crisis, Hurricane Katrina, and Time’s Up. The charity was dissolved and removed from the U.K.’s charity register in March of this year.
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