Naomi Campbell, the British supermodel, has been disqualified from serving as a charity trustee for five years following a critical investigation into her charity, “Fashion for Relief.” Conducted by the Charity Commission for England and Wales, the investigation concluded that the charity had exhibited serious governance issues and inadequate financial oversight. Specifically, it was revealed that only 8.5% of the charity’s expenditures from 2016 onwards were dedicated to charitable grants, raising concerns about the mismanagement of funds.
The inquiry uncovered alarming instances of financial misconduct, including the use of charity funds for Campbell’s luxury accommodations in Cannes, France. The expenses charged to the charity included not only hotel stays but also lavish perks like spa treatments and room service. Despite the charity trustees claiming these costs were covered by a donor, the Commission found no evidence to support their assertion, further casting doubt on the charity’s financial practices.
In response to the findings, Campbell expressed her deep concern and indicated that she was launching her own investigation into the charity’s management. She clarified that she had relinquished control over the charity’s operations to a legal employer, asserting her dedication to charitable causes. Her comments came during a public event where she was honored as a knight in France’s Order of Arts and Letters, adding to the complexities of her public persona amid the scandal.
Naomi Campbell Disqualified as Charity Trustee After Investigation Uncovers Serious Mismanagement in Fashion for Relief
The investigation’s fallout did not only impact Campbell; other trustees faced disciplinary action as well. Bianka Hellmich, another trustee, was found to have improperly received approximately £290,000 ($385,000) for consultancy services, violating the charity’s rules.
She has been disqualified for nine years, while fellow trustee Veronica Chou has been barred for four years. The Charity Commission stressed the importance of trustees adhering to their legal responsibilities to safeguard the charity’s interests, a standard that was evidently not met in this case.
Founded in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina, “Fashion for Relief” aimed to leverage the fashion industry to alleviate poverty and promote health and education through grant-making. Earlier this year, the charity was dissolved and removed from the register of charities. Despite the turmoil, the Charity Commission reported that £344,000 ($460,000) has been recovered, with an additional £98,000 in charitable funds safeguarded, enabling donations to other organizations and addressing outstanding debts.
