British supermodel Naomi Campbell has faced a significant setback in her philanthropic career. Following a detailed investigation by the Charity Commission for England and Wales, Campbell has been barred from serving as a charity trustee for five years. This decision stems from severe financial mismanagement and misconduct uncovered within “Fashion for Relief,” a poverty-focused charity she founded nearly two decades ago.
Charity Mismanagement and Investigation Findings
The Charity Commission launched a three-year inquiry into the financial activities of Fashion for Relief. The investigation revealed that the charity was “poorly governed” and exhibited “inadequate financial management.” During a six-year period from 2016, only 8.5% of the charity’s total expenditure went towards charitable grants.
One of the most damning findings was that charity funds were misused for personal expenses. Campbell reportedly spent thousands of pounds from the charity’s budget on a luxurious hotel stay in Cannes, France. This stay included spa treatments, room service, and cigarettes, with the trustees claiming that the costs were covered by a donor. However, no evidence was provided to support this claim.
Unauthorized Consultancy Fees and Trustee Breaches
Another major issue uncovered was the payment of unauthorized consultancy fees. Fellow trustee Bianka Hellmich received £290,000 ($385,000) in consultancy fees, violating the charity’s constitution. As a result, Hellmich has been disqualified from being a trustee for nine years. The third trustee, Veronica Chou, was also barred for four years.
Tim Hopkins, Deputy Director for Specialist Investigations and Standards at the Charity Commission, emphasized the gravity of the situation. He noted that trustees are legally obligated to act in the best interests of the charity and comply with their duties. “Our inquiry has found that the trustees of this charity failed to do so, which has resulted in our action to disqualify them,” Hopkins said.
The Closure of Fashion for Relief
Fashion for Relief was established in 2005 in response to Hurricane Katrina, with the aim of uniting the fashion industry to alleviate poverty and advance health and education. Over the years, the charity raised more than $15 million for various causes through high-profile fundraising events held in cities like New York, London, Cannes, and Moscow.
Despite its initial success, the charity was dissolved earlier this year and removed from the register of charities. However, its website remains active, reflecting the global initiatives and events it once organized.
Recovery of Charity Funds
The Charity Commission’s inquiry led to the recovery of approximately £344,000 ($460,000) in funds. An additional £98,000 of charitable funds was safeguarded to settle outstanding liabilities and make donations to two other charities.
While the investigation revealed severe mismanagement, it also highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in charitable organizations. The Charity Commission continues to play a vital role in regulating and monitoring charities in England and Wales to ensure they uphold their responsibilities to donors and beneficiaries.
Naomi Campbell’s Response
When approached for a comment on the Charity Commission’s findings, a spokesperson for Campbell stated that there would be no comment at this time.
Campbell’s five-year disqualification as a charity trustee marks a significant fall from grace for the supermodel, whose charity once boasted high-profile events and global recognition. The disqualification serves as a cautionary tale for public figures and trustees alike about the importance of sound financial management and governance in charitable organizations.
