Supermodel Naomi Campbell is fighting back against her disqualification as a trustee of the charity Fashion For Relief, claiming that “shocking facts” have come to light, including allegations of a fake email impersonating her.
The Charity Commission ruled against Campbell after an investigation revealed that only a small portion of the funds raised by the organization actually went toward charitable causes. The commission accused the charity of mismanagement and financial irregularities, leading to Campbell’s disqualification.
In response, Campbell has launched an appeal, insisting she has been wrongfully banned and suggesting that fraudulent activity—such as a fabricated email sent in her name—played a role in the case. She maintains that she has always acted in good faith and is determined to clear her name.
Fashion For Relief, founded by Campbell in 2005, has supported various causes over the years, including disaster relief and education initiatives. However, the investigation cast doubt on the organization’s financial transparency, prompting regulatory intervention.
The Charity Commission said back in September it had recovered £344,000 and a further £98,000 of charitable funds had been protected.
The regulator’s inquiry found that, between April 2016 and July 2022, just 8.5% of the charity’s overall expenditure was on charitable grants.
It also found no evidence that trustees took action to ensure fundraising methods were in the charity’s best interests, or that the money it spent was reasonably relative to the income it generated.
A Charity Commission spokesman said: “These are significant allegations for the courts to consider, and we will continue to cooperate fully with the tribunal as it does so.”
Campbell’s legal team is pushing to overturn the ban, arguing that crucial evidence has been overlooked. The case highlights the ongoing challenges in charity governance, even when led by high-profile figures.
As the appeal unfolds, Campbell remains vocal about her commitment to philanthropy, stating that she will continue her efforts to support good causes despite the controversy.
